Imagecredit by Instagram @athleticclub
Liverpool’s pre-season preparations reached a dramatic conclusion on 4 August 2025, as they hosted Spanish side Athletic Club for an entertaining double-header at Anfield. These friendships gave fans their first in-person look at Arne Slot’s evolving squad. The matches not only whetted appetites for the coming Premier League campaign but also highlighted Liverpool’s blend of youthful promise and new signings, set against a team from Spain’s top flight determined to test the Reds.
Double Delight: Results and Standout Moments
Liverpool emerged victorious in both encounters, with a 4-1 win in the early kick-off followed by a thrilling 3-2 triumph in the evening fixture. Across the two matches, new and familiar faces showcased dynamic attacking play and moments of individual brilliance.
In the opening game, 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha lit up Anfield, opening the scoring with a composed finish before providing the assist for Darwin Núñez’s early goal. Liverpool’s other young stars, Ben Doak and Harvey Elliott, made sure of the result, each finding the net to cap off a display brimming with energy and intent. Athletic Club replied with a header from Gorka Guruzeta, but Liverpool’s dominance was rarely in doubt.
Evening Encounter: Experience Takes the Lead
The second game saw Arne Slot field a more senior line-up, with debuts for high-profile summer signings such as Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz. Liverpool’s talisman Mohamed Salah broke the deadlock from an Ekitike cross. However, Athletic Club responded almost immediately through a set piece, with Oihan Sancet pouncing on a lapse in defensive focus.
Cody Gakpo then took centre stage, first restoring Liverpool’s lead by reacting well to a loose ball after a Unai Simón save. But fate intervened as Gakpo, in attempting to defend a corner, inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, giving Athletic a second equaliser. Undeterred, Gakpo quickly redeemed himself, smashing in the winner from close range. Salah could have sealed the victory in style but sent a late penalty over the bar.
Perspective from the Sidelines
For Liverpool, these matches served as a perfect rehearsal ahead of their Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace. The performances provided plenty for Arne Slot to mull over—notably the impressive displays by new arrivals and the seamless integration of Anfield’s academy prospects. The absence of captain Virgil van Dijk through illness, as well as injuries to Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez, gave opportunities to others keen to impress and stake a claim for regular football.
Athletic Club, under Ernesto Valverde, arrived with ambitions of testing themselves after a solid La Liga campaign and Champions League qualification. Despite stretches of attractive play and resilience, defensive frailties were apparent, especially in handling Liverpool’s pace and movement. Still, the likes of Nico Williams and Gorka Guruzeta caught the eye, and Athletic will hope to iron out their shortcomings before their own competitive season begins.
Atmosphere and Emotional Underpinnings
The Anfield crowd created a vibrant summer atmosphere, with a strong turnout signalling excitement for the new era. Both fixtures paused in the 20th minute to honour the memory of the late Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, underlining football’s ability to unite communities in both joy and remembrance.
Strategic Takeaways
While pre-season results don’t always reflect what’s to come, Liverpool’s twin wins have buoyed support and offered optimism. Slot’s willingness to rotate, trust youth, and deploy his new signings bodes well for sustained competitiveness across all fronts. The matches also revealed areas to address, particularly defensive organisation, as set-piece lapses led to both of Athletic’s goals in the second match.
Meanwhile, Athletic Club, having endured a mixed pre-season, leave Merseyside with lessons learnt and positives to build on—most notably their ability to respond when trailing and the valuable minutes gained by several squad members ahead of European competition.
Conclusion
Liverpool now turn their focus to Wembley, where they will meet FA Cup holders Crystal Palace in the Community Shield. Supporters and pundits in the UK are keen to see how Slot’s side translates their promising pre-season form into competitive fixtures. For Athletic Club, the task is to regroup, fine-tune their defence, and prepare for the challenges of La Liga and the Champions League.
The twin match-ups with Athletic Club have set a high bar for intensity, skill, and spectacle. With seasoned stars and vibrant youth both on display, Liverpool’s double triumph offers fans a taste of what might be a memorable campaign at Anfield.
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