Liverpool wrapped up a unique pre-season double-header with a second win over Athletic Bilbao, claiming a hard-fought 3-2 victory in front of the Anfield crowd. After Liverpool’s younger side cruised to a 4-1 win earlier in the day, the second fixture brought more senior players into the fold.
Athletic, too, named a stronger XI and started sharply. It was more competitive, with Athletic showing more resistance than in the earlier “B‑team” encounter, but Liverpool ultimately prevailed.
In the game that was captured by Softfootball, Cody Gakpo was the man of the moment for Liverpool after scoring a brace to see Liverpool triumph over the Spanish side at Anfield.
The Reds opened the scoring first, courtesy of Mohamed Salah, who was assisted by new signing Hugo Ekitike in the 14th minute.
Here is the highlight of the goal captured by Softfootball from Liverpool’s X handle:
Ekitike 🔗 Salah pic.twitter.com/Bt0w8CDI4o
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 4, 2025
Bilbao responded back in the 29th minute, setting the tempo high, through Oihan Sancet, who calmly finished after a swift counter.
In the second half, Liverpool increased the intensity and retook the lead quickly through Cody Gakpo. The Dutchman pounced on an effort after Unai Simon spilt a Ryan Gravenberch attempt.
However, Gakpo found the net again, this time unintentionally, as his attempted clearance from a corner deflected into his own goal, giving Bilbao the equaliser a few minutes later.
Here is Gakpo’s second goal as revealed on Liverpool’s X handle:
Cody at the double 🎯 pic.twitter.com/1kAdKOEqDp
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 4, 2025
The former PSV man then redeemed himself as he got Liverpool the third, firing through Simon’s grasp for what proved to be the winner, although there was still time for Salah to miss a penalty.
Athletic pushed for a late leveller, but Liverpool’s defence held firm. The Basques leave Merseyside with two defeats in the same day, a rare experience, but one that gave minutes to a large portion of their squad.
For Liverpool, two wins and seven goals marked a strong outing, with academy star Rio Ngumoha’s earlier impact and Gakpo’s double in the second game among the key positives.
The Reds now turn their focus to the Community Shield fixture against Crystal Palace, before the Premier League opener against Bournemouth.
