Liverpool FC - Athletic Club

The Lions competed with determination and composure in the second friendly match of the day against Liverpool. Despite this, it was the Reds who prevailed as their big guns produced the goods at Anfield.

Athletic did not back down and caused problems for Arne Slot's team, which won both matches in Monday's double-header at Anfield.

Liverpool started like a whirlwind. The Reds wanted to run and exploit the space. And they succeeded, putting the Lions' defence under serious pressure. They pushed Ernesto Valverde's men back and scored the first goal of the second duel between the two teams.

Mohamed Salah beat Unai Simón low, following a pass from Hugo Ekitike. Athletic went about their business well, looking to hurt the home side. They managed to even the score from a set piece. Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta took the free kick, Dani Vivian flicked the ball into the heart of the area and Oihan Sancet sent it into the back of the net.

The bad news came when the number 8 had to be substituted after an accidental collision, in which Dominik Szoboszlai fell with all his weight on the Lezama graduate's leg. Peio Canales came on in his place. 

The second half was even more action-packed. Liverpool kept pushing forward and took the lead again. Cody Gakpo took advantage of a rebound off Simón to score.

Ten minutes later, it was the Dutch player who put the ball into his own net after Maroan's header from a corner kick. The scores weren't level for long, with Gakpo putting the Reds back in front in the 70th minute.

The final stretch of the match saw several serious chances for Athletic, including a great shot from Adu Ares that Giorgi Mamardashvili stopped with a brilliant save.

Liverpool then held out to take the win. The Lions have one last test ahead of them, facing Arsenal in London on Saturday.

The real action begins two weeks later at San Mames against Sevilla FC.