Liverpool exited the Champions League at the first stage after losing 1-0 at home to ACF Brescia Femminile at Halton Stadium.

Liverpool started the brighter of the two sides but without threatening the the visitors goal who seemed content to soak up pressure and hit Liverpool on the break.

Liverpool’s first big chance came on 19 minutes when Natasha Dowie flicked on a long pass into the path of Asisat Oshoala but the Nigerian international could only volley over from a narrow angle.

Liverpool were punished for the miss just 6 minutes later as Liverpool conceded possession in midfield as Daniela Sabatino played in Barbara Bonanesa who raced into the penalty area and tucked it tidily past Libby Stout in the bottom left hand goal.

Liverpool continued to pressure Brescia in the midfield but failed to break down the Italians who were content to soak up pressure and play on the counter attack. However Liverpool arguably should have had a penalty just before half time when Katie Zelem found some room inside the penalty area and her goal bound shot appeared to strike the hand of a Brescia defender to the huge appeals from the Liverpool players, particularly Natasha Dowie.

In the second half Liverpool thought they had levelled when Oshoala headed home a deep cross from the superb Martha Harris but to their frustration the offside flag was raised. However with Kolo Toure watching on from the stands and despite a spirited performance and having the greater of the possession Liverpool couldn’t find a way to break Brescia down and it was the Italians who will take their place in the round of 16.

The final whistle brought an end to Liverpool’s season and the reign of Liverpool manager Matt Beard who takes up his new post as Head Coach of the Boston Breakers.

Liverpool FC: Libby Stout, Martha Harris, Katrin Omarsdottir, Satara Murray, Ingrid Ryland, Lucy Staniforth (Fara Williams 70’), Katie Zelem, Rosie White (Hannah Dale 79’), Asisat Oshoala, Ashley Hodson, Natasha Dowie

Brescia CF: Chiara Marchitelli (Camelia Ceasar 33’), Elena Linari, Roberta D’Adda (Lisa Boattin 62’), Sara Gama, Valentina Cernoia, Chiara Eusebio, Martina Rosucci, Barbara Bonanesa, Daniela Sabatino (Lisa Alborghetti 77’), Cristiana Girelli, Stefania Tarenzi