Spanish side Athletic Bilbao lifted the first Markus Liebherr Memorial Cup after defeating both Southampton and Werder Bremen.Southampton brushed aside Bremen with a 3-0 win, setting up the final showdown with the Spaniards. However, a second-string Saints team struggled to compete with Bilbao - who ended the game with a great goal with the last kick of the game.
Southampton 3-0 Werder Bremen
Southampton looked comfortable going forward against the German giants. Adam Lallana looked very sharp, and Alex Chamberlain and Jack Cork also impressed. A long through ball sent David Connolly through on goal and he finished with a smart shot to give Saints the opening goal.
With Lallana and Cork controlling midfield, German international Marko Marin was frustrated as he looked in search of an equaliser. A quick break from Alex Chamberlain sent Guly do Prado through, and the Brazilian's shot deflected off Bremen goalkeeper Sebastian Mielitz and crept into the net.
With Southampton in full control, Marin and Aaron Hunt tried their best to give their sid a chance. However, it was to no avail as Lallana bagged Southampton's third strike, scoring from close range.
The result probably flatted Saints, but Lallana and Cork looked very comfortable, and Connolly looked sharp.
Werder Bremen 1-2 Athletic Bilbao
In an entertaining game, Athletic Bilbao showed why they finished sixth in La Liga last season. The Spaniards' passing play was very attractive, with World Cup winner Fernando Llorente and David Lopez particularly impressive. The German side made nine changes, with Marko Arnautovic and Markus Rosenburg giving Bremen more attacking options.
However, Bilbao dominated and went ahead after a superb free-kick from Igor Gabilondo gave Tim Wiese no chance. Llorente had a powerful header cleared off the line, before the Germans drew level with a well-worked goal. Good work by Aaron Hunt set up Philipp Bargfrede who finished with a powerful volley.
Almost instantly a great ball in from Lopez found Gazika Toquero who tapped the ball home from close range to restore the Spaniards' lead, with no way back for Bremen.
Athletic Bilbao 2-0 Southampton
Southampton unveiled their new away kit as they lined up for the final game of the tournament against Bilbao. The yellow and blue kit is reminiscent of Brazil, but some of Southampton's play in the final game was more like Barnet than Brazil.
The second-string Saints team had trouble gelling. Radhi Jaidi looked out of his depth, making uncomfortable mistakes and some terrible positioning. One of Jaidi's mistakes was pounced on by Ibai Gomez. His shot was well saved by Kelvin Davis, but Igor Martinez was on hand to strike from close range.
Saints finally came to life, with Lee Barnard and Richard Chaplow looking threatening. Southampton pumped long balls into the Bilbao box, but no-one could create an opening. Davis left his goal in the closing stages in search of an equaliser from a late corner, but the goalkeeper couldn't connect- and instead collided with his opposite number Raul Fernandez.
With Saints running out of time to force penalties, Bilbao bowed out with a stunning goal with the last kick of the game. A delightful passing move was finished off by Markel Susaeta with a delicate chip.
The Spanish side collected the Markus Liebherr Memorial Cup, having been the best team during the tournament. Saints will take heart from performances from Adam Lallana, Jack Cork and David Connolly. However, defensively Saints may need tightening up as their Championship campaign draws closer. Rickie Lambert did not feature for Saints, neither did new singing Steve De Ridder.
