Christian Benteke: Liverpool striker scores in Swindon friendly

Christian Benteke (right)
Christian Benteke scored 49 goals in 101 games for Aston Villa after signing from Genk for £7m in 2012

Christian Benteke scored on his first Liverpool appearance since joining the club from Aston Villa for £32.5m.

The Belgium striker hit a sublime 20-yard volley to put the Reds 1-0 ahead in a friendly away to Swindon Town.

Swindon responded through Jonathan Obika before Sheyi Ojo's late goal gave the Reds a 2-1 win ahead of their first Premier League match of the season away to Stoke City on 9 August.

"Christian's goal was incredible," said Liverpool managerexternal-link Brendan Rodgers.

"It was wonderful technique from the big guy."

Liverpool also included another summer signing, forward Roberto Firmino.

The 23-year-old Brazil international started alongside Benteke, with both players substituted after 67 minutes.

Midfielder Joe Allen went off early in the game with a hamstring problem which will require a scan on Monday.

"I think Joe was his hamstring, unfortunately, so that doesn't look so good for us," added Rodgers.external-link

Striker Christian Benteke (right)
Christian Benteke became the Reds' second most expensive signing, on what the club described as a "long-term contract"
Liverpool forward Christian Benteke
Benteke scored 15 times to help Aston Villa stay in the Premier League and reach the FA Cup final last season

Top Stories