Midfielder Alonso came off the bench with six minutes remaining as Espanyol officially opened their new stadium, and reports in Spain indicate it may be his final appearance for Liverpool.

Luis Garcia – a namesake of the former Liverpool player – put Mauricio Pochettino’s side ahead after 19 minutes and former Chelsea reserve Ben Sahar scored a second-half double to give Espanyol an impressive win.

The Reds had their chances, though. Steven Gerrard tried his luck from long range early on, only to see his effort sail wide.

The Reds captain almost gave the visitors the lead when he crashed a fierce effort against the bar – and he also curled a free-kick against the post from 20 yards out.