Five Things Learnt from Liverpool vs Athletic Club Game One
Liverpool secured a 3-2 victory over Athletic Club in the second match of a double friendly at Anfield on August 4, 2025. The game highlighted key lessons for the Reds under Arne Slot’s management as they prepare for the new season.
1. Strong Attack Led by Salah and Gakpo
Mohamed Salah opened the scoring early through an assist from Hugo Ekitike, demonstrating Liverpool’s attacking sharpness. Cody Gakpo was the standout player, netting two goals—the second benefiting from an own goal by Athletic—showing his growing influence and finishing skills.
2. Resilience Despite Conceding Early
Athletic Club fought hard to level through Oihan Sancet, testing Liverpool’s defensive organization. However, Liverpool maintained composure and responded effectively to secure the win, reflecting mental strength.
3. Impact of New Signings and Debuts
New additions like Florian Wirtz and Jeremy Frimpong made their home debuts, signaling Liverpool's efforts to integrate fresh talent. The involvement of Hugo Ekitike, who assisted Salah’s goal, showed promising attacking options emerging beyond the established starters.
4. Tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva
Both matches paused in the 20th minute to honor the recent tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, highlighting the emotional atmosphere surrounding the games and the strong team solidarity.
5. Positive Pre-Season Momentum
Liverpool now have two wins against Athletic Club in the double-header, including a 4-1 first match victory, which builds confidence ahead of competitive fixtures. Younger players like Rio Nguhoma and Ben Doak also impressed, indicating Liverpool’s developing squad depth.
Overall, the game offered encouraging signs for Liverpool’s attack, squad rotation, and resilience, while also showing the team’s unity and motivation for the upcoming season.