Rio Ngumoha stars, Hugo Ekitike assists as Arne Slot's Reds win pre-season friendly double-header.
2025 Club Friendlies
3-2
Match Report
Arne Slot named arguably his strongest starting line-up, barring the notable absences of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker, who missed out through illness and personal matters respectively, for the second game.
Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez all featured to make their Anfield debuts and it was the French striker who made the impact, pulling the ball back for Mohamed Salah in the 14th minute to give the Reds a deserved lead.
The new-look Liverpool side flooded forward with confidence, chemistry and intent throughout but missed the presence of their captain at the back.
With no Joe Gomez due to an injury earlier in pre-season and Jarell Quansah sold to Bayer Leverkusen, Wataru Endo started alongside Ibrahim Konate in the centre of defence and offered little resistance when the ball fell to Oihan Sancet in the box, leading to the equaliser.
Two goals and a header into the back of his own net within the space of 15 minutes from Cody Gakpo made for an entertaining end at Anfield, ultimately leading to Slot's side walking away with a 3-2 win in the second game.
Like the first game, there was only one blemish on the performance. A rare miss from the penalty spot for Salah, after sending it over the bar and into the stands, will no doubt be quickly forgotten.
The clash offered an insight for fans and the coaching staff into what a full-strength Liverpool side could look and operate like, although injury concerns may play their part.
Liverpool face Bournemouth, live on Friday Night Football, on August 15 and Slot admitted Van Dijk and Alisson should be back for the fixture, although Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are facing a race against time for the season opener.
Match Events
5' Nico Williams breaks into the box but Konate clears the danger
6' Gakpo's delivery into the box finds Wirtz, who heads just over the bar
9' Salah nudges a free-kick for Szoboszlai to hit but it is collected by Simon
13' Salah plays a through ball through to Gakpo but the Dutchman's effort goes wide
14' GOAL! Salah puts Reds in lead as Ekitike assists! Liverpool 1-0 Athletic Club
20' Anfield pay tribute to Diogo Jota at the 20th minute of the game
21' Salah's cross finds Wirtz in the box but the finish is straight at Simon
29' GOAL! Oihan Sancet levels the score for visitors! Liverpool 1-1 Athletic Club
33' Szoboszlai's half-volley is cleared out
34' Match Event for Liverpool vs Athletic Club
51' Highlight from Liverpool vs Athletic Club
56' GOAL! Liverpool 2-1 Athletic Club (Cody Gakpo)
65' GOAL! Liverpool 2-2 Athletic Club (Maroan Sannadi)
71' GOAL! Liverpool 3-2 Athletic Club (Cody Gakpo)
81' Penalty Missed!
Line-ups
Liverpool XI: Endo, Salah, Konate, Gakpo, Szoboszlai, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Gravenberch, Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitiké, Milos Kerkez, Wirtz
Subs: Chiesa, Josh Davidson, Ármin Pécsi, Kieran Morrison, Amara Nallo, Will Wright
Athletic Club XI: Berchiche, Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta, I.Williams, Unai Simón, Jesús Areso, Dani Vivian, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams, Adama Boiro, Maroan Sannadi, Mikel Jauregizar
Subs: Robert Navarro, Unai Vencedor, Adu Ares, Johaneko Louis-Jean, Urko Izeta, Aimar Duñabeitia, Peio Canales, Mikel Santos