Bayer Leverkusen brushed aside by Liverpool

Sami Hypia's return to Anfield after his departure in 2009 ended in a 3-1 defeat for his team. Brendan Rodgers was able to fashion a third consecutive victory for the Reds. Raheem Sterling, Luis Suarez and Stewart Downing were part of the starting line up of the reigning CARLING Cup champions on Sunday afternoon. Liverpool's starlet, Sterling opened the scoring inside the opening minute of the game as a beautiful cross from Luis Enrique was well controlled and curled into the net by the 17 year old rookie. Sterling's inclusion in the starting line up was amazing. Bayer Leverkusen had some few chances but the Liverpool defence that was made up of Martin Kelly,Sebastian Coates, Jamie Carragher and Luis Enrique dealt with most of those half chances. Pepe Reina had little scare from the German team. Lucas Leiva was an unlikely scorer for the Reds as he made it 2-0 after the half hour mark. Luis Suarez was the architect of the gal. The Uruguay International's shot was blocked by the German defence and Lucas was on hand to tap in from close range. Andy Carroll, Charlie Adam, Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson were introduced later in the game as Sami Hypia also made some changes to his squad after half time. Carroll scored a simple goal to make it 3-0  in the 65th minute courtesy of a poor goal keeping by the visitors. Nigerian-born Sidney Sam scored a spectacular goal ten minutes later to reduce the deficit to 3-1, but that was not enough to deny Liverpool their third straight win after a two-legged Europa League success over FC Gomel of Belarus. The Reds will no head to 'The Hawthorns' where they will take on West Bromwich Albion next weekend in the English Premiership.

Liverpool captain-Steven Gerrard