Football BaBe
- Gakpo Shines with Double Strike
- Salah Adds to the Tally
- Ekitike and Wirtz Deliver Standout Displays
Liverpool’s Pre-Season Fireworks: Gakpo’s Heroics Seal Thrilling Win
In a pulsating pre-season clash that had fans on the edge of their seats, Liverpool demonstrated their attacking prowess against Athletic Club, clinching a hard-fought victory that sets a positive tone for the upcoming season. With new signings dazzling and veterans delivering, this match highlighted why the Reds are poised for another title charge in 2025-26.
Early Exchanges and a Poignant Tribute
The visitors from La Liga kicked off with plenty of energy, pushing forward aggressively, but it was the home side that nearly struck first blood around the seven-minute mark. A swift breakaway saw Ekitike link up seamlessly with Gakpo, setting up Wirtz for a header that sailed just over the bar, much to the disappointment of the Anfield faithful.
The breakthrough arrived in the 14th minute, courtesy of the ever-reliable Mohamed Salah. Ekitike showcased his flair by chasing down a precise through ball, outmaneuvering his defender with a clever dummy, and delivering a pinpoint cross that allowed the Egyptian star to slot home confidently.
Midway through the first half, the atmosphere turned somber as players, staff, and supporters paused in the 20th minute to pay tribute to the late Diogo Jota and his brother Andre, victims of a heartbreaking road accident in Spain recently. This emotional moment underscored the tight-knit community spirit at Liverpool.
A Rollercoaster Second Half Filled with Drama
Athletic Club fought back valiantly, leveling the score near the 30-minute point when Oihan Sancet capitalized on a well-delivered free-kick, firing a sharp shot into the net. The teams headed into halftime deadlocked, with Liverpool holding the edge in possession but unable to extend their lead, a testament to the Spaniards’ resilient defense.
Post-interval, the Reds regained momentum in the 56th minute. Ryan Gravenberch dribbled past a defender and unleashed a powerful drive that Unai Simon parried, only for Gakpo to pounce on the loose ball and restore the advantage.
However, the lead was short-lived; just eight minutes later, a corner from Athletic Club led to Maroan Sannadi’s header deflecting off Gakpo’s face and into the goal, leaving goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili stunned. This unfortunate own goal briefly revived the visitors’ hopes.
Undeterred, Gakpo redeemed himself spectacularly by netting his second of the night, putting Liverpool ahead once more. Later, Salah had a chance to double his count from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute, but his effort flew high over the bar, adding to the match’s tension.
Standout Stars and Tactical Insights
Despite the mishap of the own goal, Cody Gakpo emerged as the match’s hero, turning the tide with his brace and helping secure a crucial win against formidable European opposition. His performance echoes recent trends in the Premier League, where forwards like him have contributed to over 60% of goals in pre-season fixtures, according to 2025 analytics from Opta.
Liverpool’s fresh faces, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, stole the show in this final warm-up game. Wirtz buzzed around the field, generating multiple chances reminiscent of a young Kevin De Bruyne orchestrating plays, while Ekitike’s elegant ball control and key assist for Salah’s opener highlighted his potential as a game-changer.
Encouragingly, all primary forwards for the Reds- including Darwin Nunez from the earlier fixture-either scored or assisted across the double-header against Athletic Club. This depth bodes well for Arne Slot as he prepares to defend the title, with Ekitike possibly emerging as a secret weapon, much like how Luis Diaz transformed Liverpool’s attack in previous seasons.
Looking Ahead to Competitive Action
With this morale-boosting triumph, Slot’s squad now turns its attention to the 2025-26 season opener, facing Crystal Palace in the Community Shield at Wembley this Sunday. Expect fireworks as Liverpool aims to kick off their campaign on a high note.
