Aberdeen 1 - 5 Liverpool

Aberdeen made a sensational start to the match when new signing David Zdrilic fired them ahead two minutes into his debut. Steve Tosh took a short corner then swung in a cross, which was half cleared by the Liverpool defence. Zdrilic was lurking on the edge of the box and drilled the ball low past Kirkland to give Aberdeen an early advantage. Liverpool regained their composure and threatened Aberdeen on the flanks but found the Dons defence in a mean mood.

The visitors levelled the match in the 8th minute with some good build up play. Murphy latched on to a head flick from Le Tallec and drilled the ball past Preece from 22 yards. Liverpool almost grabbed a second two minutes later when Baros clipped the ball over the bar after latching on to a free kick. Liverpool were starting to take control at this stage playing some lovely football and giving the Dons a good test for the season ahead.

Referee Freeland presented Aberdeen with an excellent chance in the 25th minute when he waved on an offside decision. Kirkland hadn't noticed and placed the ball outside his own penalty area. The referee then awarded a free kick, which Tosh rolled into the path of Sheerin. The midfielder drilled in a low shot, but justice was done when Kirkland held the effort to his chest.

Preece came to the Dons rescue on the half hour mark when Murphy released Pongolle and the keeper got down quickly to block the strikers shot. Seconds later Baros drilled an effort wide of the target. Murphy was causing problems again in the 35th minute when he fired in a shot, which was deflected inches wide of the target. Aberdeen were still creating at the other end however and Sheerin went close two minutes later when Hinds delivered a deep cross from the right which Sheerin volleyed inches over.

There was drama in the 39th minute when Liverpool were awarded a penalty as Anderson tripped Pongolle after Diouf had released him. The small striker picked himself up but fired his shot straight at Preece to deny the visitors the lead. In the 44th minute Preece did well to punch a free kick clear before Vignal returned the ball with interest and Aberdeen were happy to see the effort deflected wide.

Aberdeen were spurred into action and went close to pulling one back a minute later when Sheerin had a fine effort deflected wide. The resultant corner was headed wide by Anderson. Mackie replaced Zdrilic in the 62nd minute and the Aussie went off to a resounding cheer having shown enough to convince the red army he can do a job. Liverpool were soon back in control however and Michael Owen was gifted a chance by the Dons defence in the 67th minute when he went through one-on-one against Preece and chipped the ball well wide of the target.

Liverpool added a fourth in the 79th minute when Mellor capitalised on some slack defending to fire past Preece. Aberdeen had a chance to pull one back in the 84th minute when Mackie was released and had his shot blocked for a corner. The resultant set play saw Anderson scoop the ball over the bar at the far post when he really should have done better. The home side were punished for the miss minutes later when Mellor grabbed his second and Liverpool's fifth after good play from Owen and Ruse.