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Liverpool hosted Athletic Bilbao for a unique pre-season friendly at Anfield on August 4, 2025, featuring a double-header format with two matches played back-to-back to allow full squad participation for both teams.

The first match kicked off at 5pm, followed by the second at 8pm. Liverpool fielded a squad including Woodman in goal, with defenders Stephenson, Tsimikas, Robertson, and Nyoni. The midfield and attack featured Mac Allister, Jones, Elliott, Nunez, Doak, and Ngumoha, supported by subs such as Pecsi and Kone-Doherty. Athletic Bilbao’s lineup included substitutes Santos, Dunabeitia, Johaneko, and others throughout the games.

The friendly marked Liverpool's return to Anfield following the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, lending a poignant atmosphere to the occasion. The matches served as an opportunity for both teams to evaluate their squads ahead of the upcoming season.

In terms of results, Liverpool showed strong performances, with Rio Ngumoha scoring in the 24th minute of the first game, contributing towards a final outcome of Liverpool 2 - 0 Athletic Club in the initial match. Across both matches, Liverpool secured a combined 3 - 1 win overall, demonstrating effective teamwork and promising developments from their pre-season preparations.

Fans and analysts noted the unconventional double-match setup as a practical solution to pre-season squad management, allowing manager Jurgen Klopp to assess a broader pool of players in match conditions. This provided valuable game time for emerging talents alongside established stars as Liverpool geared up to defend their Premier League title.


PP