Football rarely delivers double doses of drama in one day—but Liverpool made it happen.
Liverpoo
l beat Athletic Club twice in one day at Anfield, with Cody Gakpo and 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha starring in an unforgettable pre-season doubleheader. Read the full story.
Liverpool Beat Athletic Club Twice in One Day On a unique summer day at An field, the Reds faced Spanish side Athletic Club *twice* in back-to-back p re-season friendlies. Not only did Liverpool come out victorious in both matches, but the performances of **Cody Ga kpo** and **Rio Ngu moha** added layers of excitement, hope, and emotion to an already historic day.
A Day of Double Wins—and Double Delight
The first match kicked off in the afternoon under warm skies, but not before a moment of uncertainty. Fans were briefly evacuated from the Main Stand due to a false alarm, creating a surreal start. But once the all-clear was given, the show was well and truly on.
Liverpool fielded a youthful side in the first match, and it was 16-year-old sensation **Rio Ngu moha** who stole the spotlight early. He opened the scoring with a sharp finish, then assisted **Darwin Núñez** minutes later. The teenage winger’s creativity and fearlessness lit up the pitch and sent fans into a frenzy. With additional goals from **Ben Doak**, **Harvey Elliott**, and a Bilbao own goal, the Reds cruised to a **4–1 win**.Ngumoha wasn’t just a name on the teamsheet—he was the heartbeat of the performance
Evening Showdown: Gakpo Rises
If the first match was about youthful energy, the second was all about grit and composure. A more experienced lineup took to the pitch in the evening match, and it was Mohamed Salah who opened the scoring with a tidy finish after a cutback from Hugo Ekitike.
Athletic Club equalized through a deflected corner that ultimately went down as an own goal—off Cody Gakpo, ironically. But the Dutch forward responded in spectacular fashion. He netted twice in the second half, including a powerful finish that sealed a thrilling 3–2 victory for Liverpool.
In a single day, Liverpool had beaten the same opponent twice, scored seven goals, and offered fans a glimpse of both the club’s future and its present firing in harmony.
Emotional Underpinning: The Jota Tribute
Beyond football, the day carried emotional weight. These matches marked Liverpool’s first games at Anfield since the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. In a touching tribute, the club retired the No. 20 shirt and held a minute of applause in the 20th minute of both matches. Flowers were laid, and banners waved. The atmosphere was heavy with remembrance, yet full of unity.
It wasn’t just a day of football—it was a day of healing
Tactical Takeaways and New Energy
Manager Arne Slot’s tactical approach was flexible and smart. He utilized the opportunity to rotate heavily between the two matches, offering key minutes to youngsters while giving senior players a platform to sharpen up. Fans also got glimpses of new signings settling into the system, hinting at exciting months ahead
Ngumoha, in particular, has now made a compelling case for a role in the senior squad sooner than expected. His creativity, pace, and decision-making at just 16 are beyond his years.
Final Whistle Thoughts
“Liverpool beat Athletic Club” is not just a match report—it’s a statement of intent. Two wins in a day may not be standard, but neither is the talent emerging from Liverpool’s ranks. From Ngumoha’s breakout moment to Gakpo’s redemption arc in one evening, August 4, 2025, will be remembered as more than just pre-season preparation
It was a snapshot of what’s to come