Liverpool played Athletic Bilbao in two friendly games at Anfield, and won both 4-1 and 3-2. The event showed how well Arne Slot’s team plays and also let the fans at Anfield see the new stars coming up.
Rio Ngumoha, only 16 years old, shone brightly like a spark in dry grass, lighting up the evening with a goal and an assist. In the second game, Cody Gakpo scored two goals to help the team win again.
This special night was Liverpool’s first game at home since the sad passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, with touching tributes in every moment.
[UPDATE] The First Act: Ngumoha Takes Centre Stage
The curtain lifted with a moment of magic. Just two minutes in, young Rio Ngumoha curled a beauty into the corner like he was writing poetry with his right foot.
That was no fluke, he followed it up with a cushioned header assist for Darwin Nunez, who volleyed in Liverpool’s second. Ben Doak added flair before halftime, dancing past defenders to make it 3-0.
The cherry on top came from Harvey Elliott, calmly chipping in the fourth after an unselfish Nunez pass. The 4-1 score didnβt just flatter the Reds, it defined dominance.
Bilbaoβs consolation came through Guruzeta, but by then, the Kop had already made up its mind about who owned the night: a 16-year-old with fearlessness in his boots.
Liverpool beat Athletic π»πΎπ°πͺπ¬ on the same night π pic.twitter.com/o4Q4vNL5he
β 433 (@433) August 4, 2025
[TRENDING] Match Two: Gakpo and the Big Guns Deliver
Game two brought the βA-teamβ onto the pitch. Salah opened the scoring like clockwork, slotting in after Hugo Ekitike, Liverpoolβs summer recruitβbroke ankles on the wing.
Though Bilbao responded through Sancet and Saddani (with help from a Gakpo deflection), the Dutch forward had his say. He struck twice, once pouncing on a rebound, then squeezing one under the keeper to restore the lead.
Debutant Florian Wirtz didnβt score but earned a standing ovation after a dazzling Anfield bow. Mamardashvili, Kerkez, and Frimpong also impressed, while 17-year-old Will Wright came on late to cheer louder than jet engines.
Despite Salah missing a penalty, Liverpool never lost control. This wasnβt just another friendly, it was theatre.
[WHATβS HAPPENING] A Night of New Beginnings and Lasting Memories
The night felt heavy with feelings. This was Liverpool’s first game at home since Diogo Jota passed away.
The number 20 was remembered with a pause in the 20th minute during both matches, followed by thunderous applause that made the stadium tremble. People showed their feelings in many ways. They repeated in the show.
The new Adidas kit shone bright under Anfieldβs lights, worn by players ready to keep Jotaβs spirit alive. With Ekitikeβs confidence, Szoboszlaiβs flow, and Salahβs guidance, it was obviousβLiverpool is creating something great.
Amit Mishra’s Thoughts
As a writer and football fan, this double-header wasnβt just something new, it felt like a look into a better pre-season future. Two games, one evening, all at home. No tiredness from flying, no pointless hot trips. Only football, honours, and skills on display.
Liverpool played with passion, desire, and energy. Ngumoha started the fire, Gakpo helped it grow, and Anfield shone with memories, meaning, and energy.
