Liverpool hosted Athletic Bilbao at Anfield on August 4, 2025, in a unique pre-season friendly featuring two back-to-back matches. The double-header format allowed both clubs to field their entire squads over the evening to maximize player involvement and assessment ahead of the regular season.

The first match kicked off at 5pm local time, followed immediately by the second at 8pm. Liverpool’s starting lineup for the initial game included goalkeeper Woodman; defenders Stephenson, Tsimikas, Robertson, and Nyoni; midfielders Mac Allister, Jones, and Elliott; and forwards Nunez, Doak, and Ngumoha. Key substitutes on the bench for Liverpool comprised Pecsi, Kone-Doherty, Koumas, and others.

The fixture was emotionally significant for Liverpool as it marked their first competitive outing at Anfield following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, commemorated by the team and supporters during the occasion.

On the pitch, Liverpool demonstrated strong attacking intent, highlighted by goals including a strike from Rio Ngumoha, helping secure a 2-0 lead by the 24th minute in the first game of the doubleheader. By the end of both matches, Liverpool emerged with an aggregate victory, winning the second match 3-1, reflecting their top form and depth across the squad.

Where to watch Liverpool vs Athletic Bilbao: Kick-off times and team news for double-header friendly	How to watch Liverpool vs Athletic Bilbao: Live streams and kick-off times for double header	Liverpool injury latest for Athletic Bilbao double-header with two major doubts

Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, fielded their squad with substitutes such as Santos and Dunabeitia ready, showcasing their own tactical approaches and player rotations throughout this preparatory fixture.

This atypical friendly was valuable for both sides as part of their summer preparations, providing fitness, tactical tuning, and competitive minutes under match conditions ahead of the upcoming domestic campaigns.


PP