Liverpool concluded their pre-season preparations with a 3-1 victory over German Bundesliga newcomers SV Darmstadt 98 at Deepdale Stadium on August 7, 2023. The match started rapidly, with three goals scored within the first 10 minutes.

Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in the 5th minute by converting a corner delivered from a Virgil van Dijk flick-on, giving Liverpool an early lead. Just three minutes later, Salah turned provider by winning the ball in the opposition box to set up Diogo Jota, who finished clinically to double Liverpool's advantage. Darmstadt responded swiftly with Mathias Honsak racing clear to score and reduce the deficit to 2-1.

As the game settled, both teams created chances. Darmstadt's Christoph Zimmermann missed a close shot, while Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo had attempts from distance that were saved. Gakpo also hit the side-netting near midfield after a clearance fell to him.

Liverpool sought a third goal before halftime, with Luis Diaz and Alexis Mac Allister both narrowly missing. Mac Allister impressed in a deep-lying midfield role, showing versatility and control which Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp praised as a sign of his potential importance in setting the team's tempo.

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The final goal came from Luis Diaz, sealing a comfortable 3-1 win in what was Liverpool’s last warm-up fixture before their Premier League season commenced. Klopp also noted that pre-season preparations would continue in training sessions up to the first competitive match against Chelsea.

Deepdale was a sold-out venue for the friendly, which was moved from Anfield due to stadium developments, with a few hundred Darmstadt supporters in attendance. Klopp’s use of Szoboszlai and Gakpo in more advanced positions suggested potential tactical setups for the upcoming Premier League campaign.

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