Liverpool and Bilbao played two friendlies at Anfield on 4/8, the first kicking off at 4 pm and the second just three hours later.
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Manager Arne Slot oversees Liverpool's friendly against Bilbao at Anfield on 4/8. Photo: Liverpool FC |
Manager Arne Slot oversees Liverpool's friendly against Bilbao at Anfield on 4/8. Photo: Liverpool FC
With the Community Shield match against Crystal Palace at Wembley on 10/8 fast approaching, manager Arne Slot wanted to assess two groups of players. Playing two full 90-minute matches allowed him to give more players valuable game time, rather than the usual 20-30 minutes typical of pre-season friendlies.
As the last pre-season friendly at Anfield, the double-header created a "football festival" atmosphere, boosting revenue from tickets, broadcasting, merchandise, and club promotion.
According to British media, holding two matches on the same day was also a mutually beneficial arrangement, saving both Liverpool and Bilbao travel time and expenses.
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Rio Ngumoha (right) celebrates his opening goal. Photo: Liverpool FC |
Rio Ngumoha (right) celebrates his opening goal. Photo: Liverpool FC
In the first friendly, Slot gave opportunities to several young players and reserves. 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha shone, scoring with a solo effort in the second minute and then assisting Darwin Nunez to double the lead.
Liverpool maintained the pressure, adding two more goals through an own goal from Alex Padilla and a strike from Harvey Elliott. Bilbao's only goal came in the 76th minute, a close-range header from Gorka Guruzeta following a defensive error.
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After a one-hour break, Liverpool and Bilbao returned for the second match. This time, Slot fielded all five of Liverpool's 2025 summer signings: Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike. With Van Dijk out sick, Mohamed Salah captained the side.
In the 14th minute, Ekitike's burst of speed and cross set up Salah for the opening goal. 15 minutes later, Oihan Sancet equalized for Bilbao. In the second half, Cody Gakpo became the focal point. The Dutch forward scored an own goal but redeemed himself with a brace, securing a 3-2 victory for Liverpool.
In both matches, the 20th minute was marked by a tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, observed by players and fans alike. A moment of silence filled Anfield with respect and shared emotion.
Liverpool's lineup for the first match: Woodman (Pecsi, 46), Nunez (Koumas, 80), Mac Allister (Lucky, 56), Jones (Laffey, 85), Elliott, Tsimikas, Robertson, Nyoni (Pilling, 67), Doak (Danns, 56), Ngumoha (Kone-Doherty, 67), Stephenson.
Liverpool's lineup for the second match: Mamardashvili, Endo, Konate, Kerkez, Wirtz (Wright, 74), Szoboszlai, Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike (Chiesa, 56), Frimpong (Nallo, 71), Gravenberch.
Compiled by Hong Duy
