Liverpool FC - Athletic Club

Athletic Club ended the pre-season with a great feeling after a 1-1 draw at Anfield, where they accepted the challenge of playing against Jurgen Klopp’s side and, backed by a superb performance from goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala, played a prestigious match.

Although it is still a pre-season friendly, the last one before the start of LaLiga in Elche, it is a source of pride and satisfaction to appear at Anfield, a legendary stadium, with a line-up in which one player per line-up was a Cub four days ago. There, against Klopp’s powerful side, Agirrezabala, Vivian, Vencedor and Sancet stood up to challenge Liverpool in what looked like an official match.

Launched at speed by a dynamic Iñaki Williams, Athletic got their claws in first. Agirrezabala started with his festival of saves. The first was from Salah, just before a mistake in the 13th minute that cost Diogo Jota’s goal. Mané’s control was fantastic. The Guipuzcoan goalkeeper made a fine save from Alexander Arnold’s shot.

The Red and Whites’ clear-cut chances began, with Iñaki Williams missing the angle after dribbling past Alison. Even clearer was Sancet at the far post, from another Willy cross. The atmosphere was vibrant. Agirrezabala had earlier saved at the wrong end of a deadly left-footed shot from Salah. And Alison again stopped Iñaki in a one-on-one from Vencedor.

Athletic equalised after the break in a fantastic move started by Muniain and Williams, who found Sancet to set up Berenguer at the far post. It was the 52nd minute and the Lions picked up more of the ball. They had to take refuge in another great clearance by Agirrezabala from Mané’s close-range shot. Young Elliott, who had a superb game, gave the final scare with a left-footed shot against the crossbar. All this in a fantastic football atmosphere, an even more enjoyable experience after what we experienced in the pandemic.