Football BaBe
Liverpool’s Pre-Season Tour Kicks Off with a Setback Against AC Milan
Liverpool’s journey through pre-season began on a challenging note in Hong Kong, where AC Milan showcased their counter-attacking prowess to secure a victory. Despite promising moments from the Reds, including goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo, it was Rafael Leao‘s stellar performance with a goal and an assist that stole the spotlight at Kai Tak Stadium.
- Leao with goal and assist
- Liverpool show promise but defeated by Milan
- Wirtz starts for Reds
AC Milan’s Sharp Start Overpowers Liverpool in Pre-Season Clash
The match unfolded with AC Milan taking an early initiative, capitalizing on swift breaks to unsettle Liverpool’s defense. This encounter highlighted the Italian team’s efficiency on the counter, a tactic that has proven effective in recent European fixtures, where Milan boasts a 65% win rate in pre-season games over the last three years according to recent stats.
The Reds honored the memory of the late Diogo Jota throughout their preparations, a touching gesture that carried over from their heartfelt match against Preston North End. For this game, the team donned jerseys featuring a commemorative ‘Diogo J 20’ emblem, adding an emotional layer to the proceedings.
Early Breakthrough and Tributes on Display
Milan wasted no time asserting dominance, with Leao netting the opener in the 11th minute following a preliminary scare. Assisted by Christian Pulisic during a quick transition along the left flank, the 26-year-old Portuguese star maneuvered past Virgil van Dijk and unleashed a precise shot into the upper corner. In a subdued nod to his former national teammate Jota, Leao kept celebrations minimal.
Liverpool’s Response and Equalizer
Mohamed Salah nearly leveled the score after a smart pass from newcomer Florian Wirtz set him free, but his attempt to square the ball to the German was intercepted. Undeterred, Liverpool drew even before the 30-minute mark thanks to Szoboszlai’s finesse. With an assist from the promising 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, the Hungarian midfielder elegantly lofted the ball over Mike Maignan into the far corner from outside the box.
Despite controlling the ball for much of the first half, Liverpool narrowly escaped falling behind at the break when a Milan counter involving Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Leao squandered a prime chance.
Second-Half Surge Seals Victory for AC Milan in Liverpool Pre-Season Test
The momentum shifted decisively after the interval, with Milan extending their lead through coordinated attacks. This phase underscored Liverpool’s need to tighten defensive transitions, a focus area as they prepare for the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Leao and Loftus-Cheek linked up effectively once more, the former dashing forward to deliver a pass that allowed the Englishman to slot home composedly into the lower corner. Moments later, Noah Okafor added a third with a forceful finish following another blistering counter.
Liverpool mounted a comeback effort, with halftime substitute Jeremie Frimpong posing problems from an advanced right position, drawing a fine save. Gakpo then pulled one back with a well-placed header in added time, but hopes of a draw faded as Okafor capitalized on a late error to bag his brace and confirm Milan’s triumph.
Standout Performances: Leao Leads the Charge
Undoubtedly, AC Milan’s Rafael Leao emerged as the match’s top performer. Renowned as one of global football’s most dynamic attackers, the Portuguese talent justified the hype with a brilliant solo goal to kick things off, followed by a key assist for Loftus-Cheek’s strike. His clever backheel even sparked the sequence for the third goal. Milan’s attacking edge diminished noticeably after his substitution around the 60-minute mark.
New Faces Shine for Liverpool
Florian Wirtz, in his second outing since a private friendly against Stoke City, displayed flashes of brilliance during his 45-minute stint. Positioned unusually as a false nine, he orchestrated a central run to feed Harvey Elliott and slipped a sharp pass to Salah that nearly yielded a goal. Liverpool’s acquisition appears poised to make a significant impact, building on his impressive 18 goals and 20 assists in the Bundesliga last season.
Impact from the Bench and Youth Prospects
Half-time entrants Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong worked on integrating with the squad. Frimpong particularly impressed, controlling a high ball masterfully to break through and unleash a powerful shot that was denied.
At just 16, Rio Ngumoha continued his remarkable pre-season form, building on a goal against Stoke by providing the assist for Szoboszlai and looking assured on the left. He also tested Maignan with a quick move and shot on his less dominant foot.
Emerging talents like Luca Stephenson, Trey Nyoni, Tyler Morton, and Ben Doak also featured, each eager to demonstrate their potential and secure spots in Arne Slot’s plans for the new term.
Upcoming Fixtures in Liverpool’s Pre-Season Schedule
Next up, Liverpool heads to Japan to challenge Yokohama F. Marinos on July 30, followed by a home clash against Athletic Club at Anfield in early August. The real tests loom with the Community Shield against Crystal Palace and the Premier League opener versus Bournemouth on August 15, where Slot’s strategies will face scrutiny.
