A youthful and rotated Liverpool side, under the guidance of new manager Arne Slot, comfortably defeated Athletic Club 4-1 in the first of two pre-season friendlies at Anfield on Monday. The Reds were dominant from the start, with 16-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha stealing the show with an impressive goal and assist.
Ngumoha opened the scoring in just the second minute, showcasing a confident solo run and a precise finish from the edge of the box. Just three minutes later, he turned provider, setting up Darwin Nunez for a close-range tap-in to give Liverpool a commanding 2-0 lead.
Ben Doak extended the lead just before halftime, as his shot deflected off Athletic goalkeeper Alex Padilla and into the net. The second half saw Liverpool maintain control, and Harvey Elliott made it 4-0 just before the hour mark with a well-taken finish after a pass from Nunez.
Athletic Club managed to pull one back in the 76th minute through Gorka Guruzeta, but it was nothing more than a consolation goal.
The match was notable for the performances of Liverpool's young players, with Ngumoha and Doak particularly impressing. A makeshift defense, featuring Andy Robertson alongside youngsters Trey Nyoni and Luca Stephenson, also held up well against the Spanish side.
The game also saw a tribute in the 20th minute to the late Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, a somber moment for the Anfield crowd.
The victory serves as a strong final tune-up for Liverpool, who will now turn their attention to the Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace before their Premier League title defense begins. The two clubs were scheduled to play a second friendly later in the evening, with a different set of players expected to feature.
