Liverpool FC - Athletic Club
- 2' Ngumoha
- 5' Núñez
- 42' Doak
- 58' Elliott
- Guruzeta 76'
LocationAnfield , Liverpool
59,774 spectators
Athletic suffer defeat in first clash at Anfield
The Reds were superior during the opening clash in Merseyside
Athletic Club were well beaten by a superior Liverpool FC in the first of two friendlies at Anfield.
The Reds were especially powerful and fast in the first half, putting the Lions to the sword.
The match served as a tribute to the late Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre. Former Liverpool player Phil Thompsonand Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte laid wreaths in front of Anfield's The Kop in memory of the Portuguese footballers.
It was a frantic start for Athletic, as Rio Ngumoha and Darwin Nuñez put Arne Slot's side ahead within the first five minutes.
A Beñat Prados injury added to the Lions' misery, with Robert Navarro replacing the midfielder at the quarter-hour mark. Ernesto Valverde's charges grew into the half and Andoni Gorosabel hit the crossbar with a powerful effort.
However, the home side were more efficient in the box and Ben Doak scored their third goal of the game.
Gorka Guruzeta went close to reducing the deficit shortly after the break, but the striker was thwarted by Armin Pecsi when through one-on-one. Harvey Elliott delivered Liverpool's final blow in the 56th minute.
Guruzeta scored a consolation goal in the 76th minute but there wasn't enough time for the Zurigorri to get back into the match.
