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Introduction
Liverpool wrapped up their pre-season schedule on a high note, edging out Athletic Club 3-2 in their second Anfield friendly of the day. It was another thrilling test under the floodlights, packed with sharp attacking football, promising debuts, and some familiar faces showing their class.
Salah Strikes Early, Reds Start Bright
Despite playing another game against the same Athletic Club just hours earlier, Liverpool looked sharp from the first whistle. Hugo Ekitike, one of five summer signings starting, sparked the game into life with a surging run that led to an early chance. He found Gakpo, whose cross was just inches too high for Florian Wirtz, another new boy, to head home.
Salah looked in the mood early on, and after a slick one-two with Dominik Szoboszlai at the edge of the box, the Egyptian’s low strike forced a smart save from Unai Simon. A few minutes later, Salah returned the favor with a perfect diagonal pass to Gakpo, who nearly tucked in a delicate effort at the far post.
Eventually, the breakthrough came in the 18th minute. Szoboszlai fed Ekitike in behind the backline, and the forward produced a clever step-over to get past Daniel Vivian before cutting the ball back to Salah. After a lucky bounce, the captain coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.
Athletic Club Hit Back Before the Break
Liverpool looked comfortable for most of the half, but football doesn’t always follow the script. Athletic Club found their way back in through a well-rehearsed set-piece routine. A deep free-kick from Ruiz de Galarreta was nodded back into the danger zone by Vivian, and Oihan Sancet made no mistake, drilling the equaliser past Mamardashvili from close range in the 29th minute.
The Reds pushed for a second before the break. Florian Wirtz tested Simon again, and Gravenberch unleashed a rocket from distance that forced a fingertip save. Still, it was all square at half-time despite Liverpool’s dominance in open play.
Gakpo Delivers Double Blow
Liverpool came out flying in the second half, with Ekitike and Gakpo again linking up well. Kerkez whipped in a teasing cross, Ekitike nodded it down, and Gakpo’s bouncing effort was pushed over by Simon.
But the Dutchman wouldn’t be denied for long. In the 56th minute, Ryan Gravenberch danced past his marker and let fly from the edge of the box. Simon could only parry it, and Gakpo pounced, stabbing the rebound home to restore Liverpool’s lead.
Unfortunately for him, Gakpo was also involved in Athletic Club’s second goal. A corner from the visitors saw Maroan Sannadi rise highest, and his header caught a wicked deflection off Gakpo, wrong-footing Mamardashvili and making it 2-2 with just under 25 minutes to play.
Redemption for Gakpo, and a Missed Penalty
But Gakpo wasn’t done. With the score level again, he took matters into his own hands in the 70th minute. After finding space just inside the box, he rifled a low shot across Simon and into the far corner his second of the night, and what would turn out to be the match-winner.
Shortly after, Liverpool had a golden chance to put the game to bed. Wataru Endo was tripped inside the area by Vivian, and the referee pointed to the spot. Salah stepped up confidently but lifted his penalty over the bar. It was uncharacteristic from the Egyptian, and you could see the frustration on his face.
Despite the miss, Liverpool remained in control. Mamardashvili was called into action late on to deny Adu Ares with a fingertip stop. At the other end, 17-year-old Will Wright nearly had a dream debut, but Simon denied him with a quick reaction save.
Young Talent and New Faces Shine
The match also gave Liverpool fans a longer look at some exciting new additions. Hugo Ekitike showed flashes of quality with his movement and link-up play. Milos Kerkez was energetic down the flank. Giorgi Mamardashvili looked solid between the sticks, aside from the deflected goal. And Florian Wirtz had some silky touches in midfield before making way to a standing ovation in the 74th minute.
Jeremie Frimpong was dynamic as ever before being replaced late on, and 17-year-old Will Wright a fresh signing from Salford City got his first taste of Anfield, much to the delight of the crowd.
Even with Virgil van Dijk out due to illness and Conor Bradley sidelined with a minor injury, this lineup looked lively and hungry.
What This Win Means for Liverpool
This was more than just a friendly. It was a chance for Arne Slot to see his new squad gel, for returning stars like Salah and Gakpo to build momentum, and for fans to get excited about the depth forming across the pitch.
Two wins in one day over the same opponent? That’s a good day’s work. But more importantly, the squad showed balance blending youth with experience, attacking sharpness with defensive grit, and creativity in midfield with structure.
Liverpool’s pre-season ends on a positive note, but the real work starts now. All eyes shift to Sunday’s FA Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace at Wembley.
Conclusion
Liverpool 3-2 Athletic Club wasn’t just another pre-season fixture. It was a statement Slot’s team is finding its rhythm, and players new and old are ready to make an impact.
Cody Gakpo’s brace and all-round performance stole the show, Salah looked sharp and dangerous, and the summer signings gave fans plenty to be hopeful about. Yes, there were moments of sloppiness, like the goals conceded and the missed penalty, but that’s part of the pre-season process.
If this game is any indication, Liverpool are heading into the new campaign with renewed energy, tactical clarity, and a squad full of players eager to make their mark.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com