Liverpool outplayed Athletic Club in the first game of a doubleheader friendly with academy talents taking all the plaudits in a 4–1 victory.
Youngster Rio Ngumoha got the Anfield crowd on their feet early with a stunning strike from outside the box to open the scoring. The move began with Alexis Mac Allister winning the ball back at the halfway line as Ngumoha latched onto the ball and took it right to the edge of the box before curling one past Álex Padilla.
The scorer turned provider shortly thereafter when Ngumoah headed a ball into a dangerous area that Darwin Núñez calmly slotted into the Athletic Club goal. A stunning star for the 16-year-old looking to make an impact for the defending Premier League champions this season.
The game paused in the 20th minute as everyone in the stadium paused to pay tribute to Diogo Jota and brother André Silva who passed away on July 3. It was the second tribute to the former Liverpool player after an emotional rendition of to prior to kickoff.
Athletic Club put a makeshift Liverpool defence under pressure at times on the counter, but it was the home side that scored next. Teenager Ben Doak did well to create an angle with a right-foot shot that beat a weak hand from Padilla. It was ruled an own goal on Padilla’s part.
Ármin Pécsi replaced Freddie Woodman at halftime between the sticks making a big save early to deny the visitors a lifeline in the game. Another slick Liverpool move resulted in a fourth in the 58th minute with Harvey Elliott providing the final touch.
The Liverpool defence made a sloppy error in the 76th minute as Luca Stephenson tried to clear a cross, but got it all wrong as Gorka Guruzeta claimed the loose ball to head an effort past Pécsi.
The two sides return later today for a second friendly.
Liverpool player ratings from the match below.
