Liverpool continued their preparations for the upcoming 2025/26 season with a commanding performance against Spanish side Athletic Club in a unique pre-season double-header at Anfield. The Reds secured two victories on the day, winning the first match 4-1 and the second 3-2, showcasing both the depth of their squad and the promising talent emerging from the academy.

Match 1: Young Guns Shine in a 4-1 Rout

The first of the two friendlies saw a rotated Liverpool side, featuring a mix of senior players and exciting youth prospects, take the field. The new Adidas home kit made its debut, but it was the performance of a young winger that stole the show.

Just moments into the game, 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who has been a standout performer in pre-season, opened the scoring with a brilliant solo effort. His speed and direct running paid off, culminating in a curling finish into the bottom corner. The teenager then turned provider just minutes later, setting up Darwin Nunez for a close-range finish to double the lead. Ben Doak added a third before halftime, and Harvey Elliott sealed the victory with a well-taken goal in the second half. A late consolation goal for Gorka Guruzeta was the only blemish on an otherwise dominant display.

The match also served as a poignant tribute to the late Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, with both teams and fans honoring their memory.

Match 2: Experienced Squad Secures a Narrow Win

The second match of the day featured a stronger Liverpool starting eleven, including new signings like Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz. It was a more tightly contested affair, but Liverpool's quality ultimately shone through.

Mohamed Salah gave the Reds an early lead, expertly finishing a cutback from Ekitike. Athletic Club's Oihan Sancet equalized, but Cody Gakpo restored Liverpool's advantage after halftime. The Spanish side drew level again through a deflected header, but Gakpo secured the win with his second goal of the match, drilling a low shot past the keeper.

Arne Slot's Encouraging Pre-Season

The back-to-back wins against Athletic Club underscore a positive pre-season for Liverpool under new manager Arne Slot. The matches provided valuable minutes for a wide range of players and allowed the coaching staff to experiment with different lineups and tactics.

The standout performances from young players like Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni, along with the impactful debuts of new signings, will give Slot plenty of encouragement as the team gears up for their opening Premier League fixture. While the victories were impressive, the team will look to address the defensive vulnerabilities shown in both games, particularly from set-pieces, before the competitive season begins.