Rafael Benitez may have meticulous plans for the development of his young players now he has fuller authority over the junior ranks but even at ten past three his curriculum would not have involved Danny Ayala or Mikel san Jose facing Diego Forlan and Sergio Agüero.
The South American duo are two of the hottest strikers in European football and have formed a partnership teams from La Liga and further afield envy.
Many observers believe the teenage Ayala has potential to become a top class international. San Jose is a little older but has also done well in the junior levels earning caps at a host of levels including under-21 but to place such expectation on the pair would have been harsh.
However, noting that Athletico’s opener came when the Reds were down to ten men and the backline was being hastily rearranged there was some mitigation.
That said the finish was of the highest quality as was the second Madrid goal even if it, like the opener, the visitors were assisted by a touch of naivety for both strikes.
Lucas Leiva who has worked hard to improve his fitness and stamina over the summer is reaping rewards with some fine performances in midfield plus a late goal after linking with Steven Gerrard.
The skipper’s understanding with Fernando Torres looks likely to remain as productive as it was last season. fitness allowing. Gerrard's promptings created more than half a dozen chances for the forward who should have bagged at least one but will trust his ability to fire on all cylinders with a little more fine tuning.
Glen Johnson gave an impressive home bow - popping across the field when it was an option - and was another who linked well with Gerrard.
His instructions to raid measured alongside similar instincts of Emiliano Insua and Fabio Aurelio when he returns suggest the frailties which led home draws with the likes of Stoke, West Ham and Fulham amongst others - the results which effectively denied Liverpool the title - will be addressed.
Worries about scorelines should be out into perspective by news emerging from Spain on Saturday evening. Daniel Jarque who skippered Espanyol against Liverpool in last weekend’s friendly died following a training session in Coverciano, Italy.
The 26 year old is believed to have suffered a heart attack and could not be revived.
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