In today's world, Markus Liebherr Memorial Cup has captured the attention of millions of people around the world. Whether due to its impact on society, its relevance in popular culture, or its influence in a specific field, Markus Liebherr Memorial Cup has become a topic of general interest. From its origin to its evolution over the years, Markus Liebherr Memorial Cup has generated debate, reflection and admiration in equal measure. In this article, we will explore in depth all aspects related to Markus Liebherr Memorial Cup, from its origins to its impact today, analyzing its importance and relevance in modern society.
Founded | 2011 |
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Region | Europe |
Number of teams | 3 |
Current champions | ![]() |
Most successful club(s) | ![]() ![]() |
The Markus Liebherr Memorial Cup was an invitational football friendly tournament held at St Mary's, Southampton. The competition was named after former Southampton Chairman Markus Liebherr. Described as a "unique triangular cup competition", each club played one another and points determined the winners of the tournament, which was held in 2011 and 2012, and won by Athletic Bilbao and Arsenal.[1]
The inaugural edition of the Markus Liebherr Memorial Cup was held on 23 July 2011 as a triangular round-robin system. Various European teams were invited to compete in a tournament, with the other participants besides the hosts Southampton being the Spanish club Athletic Bilbao and German club Werder Bremen. The hosts won the first match of the tournament, beating Bremen 3–0 with goals from David Connolly, Guly do Prado and Adam Lallana.[6] Bilbao also beat Bremen, with a 2–1 scoreline, thanks to goals from Igor Gabilondo and Gaizka Toquero. In the decisive match between Southampton and Bilbao, it was the Spanish side who won 2–0, with Igor Martínez and Markel Susaeta sealing the title to Bilbao.[1][6]
Southampton | 3–0 (45-minute match) | Werder Bremen |
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Connolly ![]() do Prado ![]() Lallana ![]() |
Report |
Werder Bremen | 1–2 (45-minute match) | Athletic Bilbao |
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Bargfrede ![]() |
Report | Gabilondo ![]() Toquero ![]() |
Southampton | 0–2 (45-minute match) | Athletic Bilbao |
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Report | Martínez ![]() Susaeta ![]() |
Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
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2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 4 |
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2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
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2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | −5 | 0 |
Source:[7][8][9][10][11][12][13]
Scottish club Rangers were initially scheduled to take part, but were later replaced by Anderlecht due to the financial troubles that Rangers were facing.[14] The tournament was held on 14 July as a triangular round-robin system in 45-minute matches, and in the first match of the tournament, Southampton lost to Anderlecht 1–0, with the only goal coming early in the first half from Tom De Sutter.[15] Arsenal then won their first game against Anderlecht by the same scoreline, with a goal from young midfielder Henri Lansbury deciding the match.[15] In the decisive match between Southampton and Arsenal, the Saints new signing Jay Rodriguez netted on his debut for the club in the 31st minute, although the lead proved short-lived when Gervinho equalized a few minutes later, causing the game to end in a tie, and despite Arsenal losing 5–4 on penalties, it was them who won the second Memorial Cup and joined Athletic Bilbao on the honours list.[9][15]
Southampton | 0–1 (45-minute match) | ![]() |
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Report | De Sutter ![]() |
Arsenal ![]() | 1 – 0 (45-minute match) | ![]() |
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Lansbury ![]() |
Report |
Southampton | 1–1 (45-minute match) | Arsenal |
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Rodriguez ![]() |
Report | Gervinho ![]() |
Penalties | ||
Fox ![]() Rodriguez ![]() Seaborne ![]() Chaplow ![]() Hammond ![]() |
5–4 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 4 |
![]() |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
![]() |
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | −1 | 1 |