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The football spotlight turned to Anfield on August 4, 2025, as Liverpool – Ath. Bilbao met in an electrifying pre-season double-header. Liverpool impressed fans by winning 4-1 and 3-2, showcasing squad depth, exciting new signings, and rising stars. Emotional tributes to Diogo Jota and major transfer updates added to the drama surrounding the fixtures.
Match Reports: Liverpool – Ath. Bilbao Dominant Display
First Match: Liverpool 4-1 Ath. Bilbao
Liverpool’s second XI delivered a commanding 4-1 win. Sixteen-year-old Rio Ngumoha opened the scoring before assisting Darwin Nunez for the second goal. Ben Doak forced an own goal, and Harvey Elliott sealed the victory. Bilbao’s Gorka Guruzeta netted a late consolation (Daily Mail).
| Player | Contribution | Minute |
|---|---|---|
| Rio Ngumoha | Goal, Assist (Nunez) | 2’, 5’ |
| Darwin Nunez | Goal | 5’ |
| Ben Doak | Assist (Own Goal) | 43’ |
| Harvey Elliott | Goal | 58’ |
| Gorka Guruzeta | Goal (Bilbao) | 76’ |
Second Match: Liverpool 3-2 Ath. Bilbao
Liverpool’s first XI edged out Bilbao 3-2 in a thrilling contest. Mohamed Salah scored the opener, Cody Gakpo struck twice, while Oihan Sancet and Sannadi responded for Bilbao. New signings Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Giorgi Mamardashvili made their Liverpool debuts (Daily Mail).
| Player | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Mohamed Salah | Goal |
| Cody Gakpo | Two Goals |
| Oihan Sancet | Goal (Bilbao) |
| Sannadi | Goal (Bilbao) |
Emotional Tributes to Diogo Jota
Both Liverpool – Ath. Bilbao matches were marked by heartfelt tributes to Diogo Jota and his late brother Andre Silva. Fans and players observed a minute’s silence, wreaths were laid at the Kop, and in the 20th minute, the Anfield crowd sang Jota’s song in unison (Daily Mail).
Transfer News: Diaz Leaves, Nunez Future in Doubt
Luis Diaz completed a £65.5m transfer to Bayern Munich, ending a successful spell at Liverpool. Darwin Nunez, despite scoring, faces uncertainty with interest from AC Milan and Al Hilal. Liverpool’s rejected £110m bid for Alexander Isak adds more intrigue (The Guardian).
| Player | Transfer Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Luis Diaz | Transferred | £65.5m to Bayern Munich, four-year deal with option for fifth |
| Darwin Nunez | Speculation | Interest from AC Milan, Al Hilal; possible link to Isak deal |
| Alexander Isak | Interest | £110m bid rejected by Newcastle; Liverpool remain keen |
| Harvey Elliott | Speculation | Linked with potential move away |
New Signings and Youth Stars Impress
Liverpool’s £263.5m summer investment was on full display with Wirtz, Ekitike, Frimpong, Kerkez, and Mamardashvili impressing. Rising star Rio Ngumoha earned more praise, with Ben Doak calling his performances “ridiculous” for a 16-year-old (Daily Mail).
Betting Context and Season Outlook – Liverpool – Ath. Bilbao
Liverpool’s strong showing over Ath. Bilbao improved their Community Shield odds against Manchester City. The combination of squad depth, new signings, and emerging talents strengthens their title defense prospects, though striker exits could change the picture.
