Liverpool wrapped up their pre-season tour of the Far East with a 3-1 comeback win over Yokohama F. Marinos at the Nissan Stadium in Japan.
Arne Slot’s side had to respond after falling behind early in the second half, but goals from Florian Wirtz, Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha turned the game around in front of over 67,000 fans in Yokohama. The Reds now return to the UK for the final stretch of their pre-season schedule.
Before kick-off, Liverpool legend Ian Rush laid a wreath on behalf of the club in memory of Diogo Jota, marking an emotional moment ahead of the match.
Liverpool named a strong starting XI with Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz all involved. Hugo Ekitike was handed his first start up front and nearly opened the scoring with a clever near-post flick that went just wide.
Gakpo also looked sharp and came closest to a first-half breakthrough, cutting inside and striking the post. The Reds dominated possession but struggled to break down a well-organised Yokohama side.
Giorgi Mamardashvili was called into action before the break, making a smart save to keep out a Yokohama header. The half ended goalless.
Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones were introduced at half-time, but it was Yokohama who struck first. Asahi Uenaka gave the hosts a surprise lead with a composed finish after a slick through ball from Ren Kato, though there were appeals for offside.
In the 59th minute, Wataru Endo was brought on to a standing ovation from the Japanese crowd. He replaced Virgil van Dijk and took the captain’s armband on home soil.
Liverpool responded immediately. Jones won the ball high and played in Salah, who slipped a neat pass to Wirtz. The German made no mistake, slotting low into the bottom corner to level the game and score his first goal for the club.
Slot made further changes with Alexis Mac Allister, Jeremie Frimpong, Nyoni and Ngumoha all coming on.
Frimpong made an instant impact, crossing to the back post where Nyoni finished with a composed first-time effort to put Liverpool in front.
Ngumoha then added a third, picking up the ball near the halfway line and bursting through on goal before calmly finishing. It was the 17-year-old’s second goal of pre-season, continuing his impressive form under Slot.
Liverpool now returns to Merseyside to complete their pre-season. They host La Liga side Athletic Club at Anfield on Monday, August 4, with kickoff at 5 pm (BST), the first of two home friendlies before the Community Shield.
