Liverpool wrapped up their pre-season preparations with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Athletic Club in the second of a friendly doubleheader at Anfield. The match, which saw new signings and established stars alike take to the pitch, provided plenty of talking points for manager Arne Slot as his team gears up for the new campaign.
The game was part of a unique doubleheader at Anfield, with the Reds having already secured a comfortable 4-1 victory in the first match with a younger, more rotational squad. For the second fixture, a more experienced and likely first-choice lineup took to the pitch, and the packed Anfield crowd, which largely remained after the first game, was treated to a back-and-forth contest.
Salah and Gakpo on Target Amidst Debutant Brilliance
The Reds started with an attacking intent, and it wasn’t long before they were rewarded. New signing Hugo Ekitiké, making his Anfield debut, showcased his talent early on. In the 14th minute, the French striker displayed clever footwork to evade a defender before cutting the ball back to the ever-present Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net to give Liverpool the lead. This promising combination between a new attacking threat and the team’s talisman was a sight that will surely excite the Liverpool faithful.
Despite Liverpool’s dominance in possession and creating numerous chances, Athletic Club found an equalizer in the 29th minute. The goal came from a set piece, a clear area of concern for Slot’s side throughout pre-season. After a free-kick was whipped into the box, the ball eventually fell to Oihan Sancet, who capitalized on the defensive lapse to level the scores. This moment highlighted the work that still needs to be done on the training ground before the new season begins.
The second half was a true roller coaster. Cody Gakpo, who was a constant threat, restored Liverpool’s lead shortly after the restart in the 55th minute. The goal came after a powerful, low-driven shot from Ryan Gravenberch was saved by the Athletic Club goalkeeper, but Gakpo was perfectly positioned to pounce on the rebound and put the ball into the empty net.
The Dutchman’s eventful afternoon wasn’t over, however. In a bizarre turn of events, he was responsible for the visitors’ second equalizer just nine minutes later. From an Athletic Club corner, Gakpo unfortunately headed the ball into his own net, making amends for his earlier goal and once again bringing the scores level at 2-2.
Yet, in a display of resilience and determination, Gakpo was not to be denied. He made amends for his error just six minutes later, scoring his second goal of the match and ultimately the winner. With the ball falling to him inside the penalty area, Gakpo struck a powerful shot that beat the goalkeeper and secured the 3-2 victory for Liverpool.
New Faces Shine Brightly
The match provided a valuable opportunity for fans to see some of Liverpool’s new additions in action on home soil. Alongside Ekitiké’s impressive debut, which included a key assist, players like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez also featured prominently in the starting lineup. Wirtz, in particular, caught the eye with his pace, creativity, and intelligent movement in a more advanced position behind the front three. The performances of these new players offered a glimpse into the exciting new era under Arne Slot.
The game also offered some insights into the team’s depth and tactical flexibility. With key players like Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker absent for various reasons, the new-look defense and midfield were tested, revealing areas that still need fine-tuning.
Looking Ahead to the Community Shield
The victory concludes a busy pre-season for Liverpool, which included a win over Athletic Club in both matches of the doubleheader, making the aggregate score 7-3. While there were some defensive concerns, particularly from set-pieces, the team’s attacking prowess was on full display throughout both games. The focus now shifts to the Community Shield, where the Reds will face Crystal Palace. The friendly victories have provided valuable minutes for the squad and a platform for new players to integrate, giving the team momentum and confidence heading into the first competitive match of the season.
