Spurs loan watch: European adventure all but over after defeat

On Tuesday evening, there was UEFA Champions League action for Tottenham Hotspur loanee Bryan Gil, as he and his Girona side welcomed high flying Liverpool, for match day six of the current league phase.

Coming into the game, the Spanish outfit had only picked up three points from their opening five games, and sat 30th in the league phase, whilst Liverpool were the only team to win all five of their opening games, therefore sitting rosy at the top of the standings.

Girona's European chances are all but over after this defeat

As tends to be the case, Gil was named in the starting XI, with manager Michel deploying the on loan Spurs man on the right hand side of his 4231 set up for this one, having recently played more off the left. Instead, former Tottenham Hotspur winger Arnaut Danjuma was on that side for this game. Former goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga started the game in goal.

Around 13 minutes into the game, Gil managed to run in on goal, but struggled to keep his balance amid pressure from Liverpool defenders, and could only fire a tame effort at goal, which was comfortably dealt with by Alisson.

After 17 minutes, the rebound of a shot fell to Gil just inside the box, but he could not steady himself, and his shot went high and wide. During the opening stages of the game, the 24-year old was key to his side's game plan, as they looked to hit Liverpool on the break and catch them cold.

Having contested an even and competitive first half, the sides went into the break at 0-0. In the second half, Liverpool began to put pressure on their hosts, and took the lead just after the hour mark, with a penalty that was deemed by many as very soft.

With around 20 minutes left, Gil was taken off, in a double sub that also included the withdrawal of Danjuma. Despite a valiant, workmanlike performance, Girona were unable to find an equaliser, and remain 30th in the league phase - which all but ends their chances of their qualifying for a play-off spot and giving themselves a chance of extending their first ever European campaign.

Next up for the winger and his side is a return to league action, as they face Mallorca on the road in La Liga this Saturday, with a 15:15 GMT kick off for that one there.