Liverpool Conclude Pre-Season with Emotive Double-Header Victory Over Athletic Club

On August 4, 2025, Liverpool wrapped up their pre-season preparations with a unique double-header against La Liga’s Athletic Club at Anfield, securing victories in both matches (4-1 and 3-2). The occasion was not only a test of squad depth and new signings but also a deeply emotional return to Anfield, marked by tributes to the late Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who tragically passed away in a car accident in July. The matches, played at 5 PM and 8 PM BST, showcased Arne Slot’s evolving squad as they gear up for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign and the upcoming Community Shield against Crystal Palace.

A Poignant Return to Anfield

The atmosphere at Anfield was charged with emotion as Liverpool played their first home games since the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, their “Forever No. 20.” Fans and players alike paid their respects, with the matchday programme featuring Jota on the cover and wreaths laid at the Kop by Liverpool legend Phil Thompson and Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte. The crowd’s rendition of Jota’s iconic song echoed through the stadium, setting a somber yet unifying tone for the day. The team wore badges in honor of Jota and his brother, a gesture carried over from their Asian tour.

First Match: Youthful exuberance shines in 4-1 rout

The first match at 5 PM saw Arne Slot field a youthful lineup, giving opportunities to emerging talents and squad players. The starting XI included Freddie Woodman in goal, with defenders Luke Stephenson, Trey Nyoni, Andy Robertson, and Kostas Tsimikas; midfielders Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, and Harvey Elliott; and forwards Ben Doak, Rio Ngumoha, and Darwin Nunez.

Liverpool dominated early, with 16-year-old starlet Rio Ngumoha announcing himself to the Anfield faithful in style. Just two minutes in, Ngumoha set up Darwin Nunez for the opener, and three minutes later, he scored a stunning goal himself, showcasing his pace and flair. The Reds continued their onslaught, with an own goal from Athletic’s Alex Padilla and a strike from Harvey Elliott sealing a commanding 4-1 victory. Athletic managed a consolation goal through Oihan Sancet, but Liverpool’s control was evident, with 68.3% possession and five shots on goal compared to Athletic’s two.

Ngumoha’s performance was a standout, earning praise from former Liverpool players and fans alike for his composure and potential. Curtis Jones and Ben Doak also impressed, with Jones dictating play in midfield and Doak’s direct running troubling Athletic’s defense. However, the match wasn’t without concerns, as Liverpool’s defense showed moments of vulnerability, conceding from a set-piece—a recurring issue that Slot later highlighted as an area for improvement.

Second Match: A Stronger XI Edges Out a 3-2 Thriller

The 8 PM fixture saw Slot deploy a near first-choice XI, featuring new signings Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, and Jeremie Frimpong, alongside stalwarts like Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai. Giorgi Mamardashvili, filling in for the absent Alisson Becker, started in goal. Athletic Club, managed by Ernesto Valverde, fielded a stronger side, including Nico Williams and Unai Simon, making for a more competitive encounter.

Liverpool struck early through Mohamed Salah, who capitalized on a swift move to give the Reds the lead. However, Athletic responded, exploiting Liverpool’s set-piece frailties as Maroan Sannadi headed in from a corner to level the score. The second half saw Cody Gakpo take center stage, scoring twice—his second goal a result of a rare error by Unai Simon, who let a low shot slip through his hands. Despite Athletic pulling one back, Liverpool held firm, with Mamardashvili making a crucial save late on to deny an equalizer. The final score was 3-2, with Liverpool’s attacking potency (3.25 goals per game in pre-season) proving decisive, though their defensive lapses (1.85 goals conceded per game) remained a concern.

Wataru Endo won a penalty after a slick move involving Szoboszlai and Federico Chiesa, but Salah uncharacteristically missed the penalty. Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike also shone, with Wirtz’s playmaking and Ekitike’s hold-up play earning plaudits. However, Slot’s tactical adjustments, such as the unusual move of Szoboszlai to right-back and Amara Nallo to center-back, sparked curiosity, suggesting ongoing experiments to address defensive gaps.

Key Absences and New Faces

Liverpool were without several key players: captain Virgil van Dijk (illness), Conor Bradley (injury), Alisson Becker (personal reasons), and Joe Gomez (Achilles injury). These absences gave opportunities to new signings like Mamardashvili, who impressed with his reflexes, and youngsters like Will Wright, who nearly scored his first Anfield goal. Athletic Club also faced challenges, with Aitor Paredes and Unai Egiluz sidelined, forcing Valverde to reshuffle his defense.

The double-header provided a platform for Liverpool’s new Adidas home kit to make its debut, with fans noting its sleek design, though some remarked on Ngumoha’s fresh cornrows as an additional highlight. The matches also fueled transfer speculation, with Alexander Isak’s agent reportedly spotted at Anfield amid rumors of a £110m bid for the Newcastle striker, which was rejected.

Slot’s Assessment and Looking Ahead

Post-match, Arne Slot expressed satisfaction with the results but emphasized the need to address defensive frailties, particularly at set pieces, which cost them in both games. He praised the contributions of new signings and youngsters but noted that the squad still requires fine-tuning before the Premier League opener against Bournemouth on August 15. The double-header, a novel approach to preseason, was lauded as a “saner” way to manage squad minutes, allowing over 30 players to feature across both matches.

The emotional weight of the day, coupled with the competitive edge of the matches, set the tone for Liverpool’s season. With the Community Shield against Crystal Palace looming on August 10, Slot’s side showed promise but also areas for growth, particularly in defensive organization. For Athletic Club, the matches highlighted their resilience but also their struggles to match Liverpool’s attacking output, averaging just 1.75 goals per game in preseason compared to Liverpool’s 3.25.

Conclusion

Liverpool’s 4-1 and 3-2 victories over Athletic Club capped a mixed preseason that saw wins against Preston, Stoke, and Yokohama FM but a loss to AC Milan. The Anfield double-header not only showcased the depth and potential of Slot’s squad but also served as a heartfelt tribute to Diogo Jota, uniting fans and players in remembrance. As the Reds prepare for the Community Shield and the Premier League, the performances of Ngumoha, Wirtz, Ekitike, and Gakpo offer optimism, while defensive improvements remain a priority. Anfield’s emotional return proved that, even in preseason, football can be a powerful force for connection and celebration.