Liverpool Secure Double Friendly Wins Over Athletic Club as Rio Ngumoha and Hugo Ekitike Shine at Anfield
Liverpool enjoyed a successful evening at Anfield with two pre‑season friendly victories over Athletic Club, winning 4‑1 and 3‑2 in a double‑header.
Young sensation Rio Ngumoha and new signing Hugo Ekitike were among the standout performers as manager Arne Slot continues to shape his squad ahead of the new season.
A Night of Football and Tribute
The evening marked Liverpool’s first home fixtures since the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
In the 20th minute of both matches, play stopped and the crowd rose to sing Jota’s name in a heartfelt tribute.
The emotional moment united players, fans, and staff in honour of the much‑loved forward.
Game One – Ngumoha Continues to Impress
Early Goals and Rising Talent
2nd minute: Rio Ngumoha opened the scoring with a composed curling finish — his second goal of pre‑season.
5th minute: Ngumoha turned provider, setting up Darwin Núñez for Liverpool’s second.
Youngsters Making an Impact
16‑year‑old Ngumoha has now scored twice and assisted twice in just four pre‑season games.
Teammate Ben Doak praised him post‑match, calling him “ridiculous” and predicting a bright future.
First‑Half Control
A dangerous cross from Doak forced goalkeeper Alex Padilla into an own goal, giving Liverpool a 3‑0 lead before half‑time.
Harvey Elliott capped off the win with a fine strike.
Athletic Club grabbed a late consolation after Luca Stephenson’s error allowed Gorka Guruzeta to score.
Liverpool’s Game One Starting XI:
Woodman; Stephenson, Tsimikas, Robertson, Nyoni; Mac Allister, Jones, Elliott; Núñez, Doak, Ngumoha.
Full‑Time Score: Liverpool 4‑1 Athletic Club
Game Two – Ekitike Registers First Liverpool Assist
Strong Line‑Up, Bright Start
Arne Slot named a near‑full strength team, with Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker absent due to illness and personal matters.
New faces Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez all made their Anfield debuts.
14th minute: Ekitike pulled the ball back perfectly for Mohamed Salah, who slotted home the opener.
Setbacks and Response
A defensive lapse allowed Oihan Sancet to equalise for the visitors.
Cody Gakpo then took centre stage — scoring twice before accidentally heading into his own net, making it 3‑2.
Missed Penalty
Salah missed a chance to add a fourth, sending a penalty over the bar and into the stands.
Despite this, Liverpool looked sharp in attack, showing promise for the coming season.
Liverpool’s Game Two Starting XI:
Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Endo, Konaté, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Wirtz; Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike.
Full‑Time Score: Liverpool 3‑2 Athletic Club
Arne Slot’s Verdict
Speaking to LFCTV, Liverpool boss Arne Slot praised the attacking intent:
“We created a lot of chances in both games. Seven goals is very pleasing. Hugo will be a good player for us, and Rio is showing good things every game in pre‑season.”
However, Slot warned about defensive lapses:
“Two set‑piece goals conceded is not ideal, especially with Crystal Palace coming up. That’s something to work on.”
What’s Next for Liverpool?
Liverpool’s pre‑season preparations are building towards competitive action:
10 August: Crystal Palace (Community Shield, Wembley, 3pm)
15 August: Bournemouth (Premier League, Anfield, 8pm – Live on Friday Night Football)
Van Dijk and Alisson are expected to return for the Bournemouth match, but Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are racing against time to be fit.
Key Takeaways
Rio Ngumoha: 2 goals, 2 assists in pre‑season — a breakout star.
Hugo Ekitike: First assist for Liverpool, linking well with Salah.
Attacking Strength: Seven goals in one evening shows attacking depth.
Defensive Work Needed: Set‑piece defending remains a concern.
Sources: LFCTV, Liverpool FC Official Website, Sky Sports
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