Liverpool wrapped up their pre-season double-header at Anfield with a 3-2 win over Athletic Club, thanks to a Cody Gakpo brace and an early Mohamed Salah goal.
The match gave fans a first proper look at new signings Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike, and Milos Kerkez, all of whom featured prominently in a lively contest.
The Reds struck first through Salah after excellent work from Ekitike, who delivered a byline cut-back for the Egyptian to slot in at the near post. Athletic equalised through Oihan Sancet against the run of play, finishing a low cross from close range.
Gakpo restored Liverpool’s lead with a close-range finish after a Gravenberch shot was parried. Saddani then levelled for Bilbao from a corner, with his header deflecting in off Gakpo.
The Dutchman soon made amends, sealing the win with his second goal, a strike that slipped underneath goalkeeper Unai Simon.
Will Wright nearly added a fourth late on, but his chance was denied. Mamardashvili made key saves, while Salah missed a late penalty, chipping over the bar. It was a high-energy finish to pre-season at Anfield, with the Reds now turning attention to the Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
