Liverpool vs Bilbao Preseason Highlights
Liverpool vs Bilbao preseason highlights took center stage on Monday, August 4, 2025, as the Reds secured back-to-back victories at Anfield. In a double-header friendly, Liverpool showcased depth and attacking prowess with a 7–3 aggregate win, offering early promise under new manager Arne Slot ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Double Matchday at Anfield: Depth Tested, Chemistry Built
In a rare scheduling move, Liverpool hosted Athletic Bilbao twice in one day at their home ground. The first match kicked off at 11 PM WIB (5 PM BST), followed by a second fixture at 2 AM WIB (8 PM BST), allowing Arne Slot to rotate his squad and test both the younger players and senior team ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Match 1 Recap: Young Guns Shine, Ngumoha Steals the Show
The first fixture served as a platform for Liverpool’s academy prospects and fringe players. The home side started with a mix of young talents and experienced names like Andy Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister, and Darwin Núñez.
However, it was 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha who grabbed the headlines.
The teenage winger scored a sensational opener after a solo run from midfield and later assisted Núñez for Liverpool’s second goal. A third goal came via an own goal from Bilbao goalkeeper Alex Padilla, and Harvey Elliott sealed the win in the second half. Bilbao’s lone reply came from Gorka Guruzeta.
Final score: Liverpool 4–1 Athletic Bilbao
Goals:
- Ngumoha (2’), Núñez (5’), Padilla (OG 42’), Elliott (58’)
- Guruzeta (76’)
Match 2 Recap: Salah & Gakpo Lead the Senior Squad
Three hours later, both teams fielded their likely starting elevens. Liverpool featured Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and new signings Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike in a dynamic front line. Athletic Bilbao responded with star players Iñaki Williams, Nico Williams, and goalkeeper Unai Simón.
Salah opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a left-foot finish after receiving a clever assist from Ekitike. Bilbao responded through Oihan Sancet, who scored after a clever free-kick routine.
The second half saw Cody Gakpo take charge. He scored twice — first capitalizing on a rebound, and later with a stunning dribble and strike that put Liverpool ahead 3–2. Bilbao’s second goal came from Marouan Sannadi via a header from a corner.
Salah missed a penalty late in the game, but it didn’t affect the outcome.
Final score: Liverpool 3–2 Athletic Bilbao
Aggregate score: Liverpool 7–3 Athletic Bilbao
Tactical Analysis: Slot’s High-Tempo Blueprint Emerging
These matches gave fans an early glimpse into Arne Slot’s tactical philosophy. Liverpool played with a clear emphasis on width, quick transitions, and fluid attacking movement. In both matches, full-backs and wide attackers were encouraged to drive forward, creating overloads in the final third.
Slot rotated between 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formations depending on the phase of play. He also gave creative freedom to players like Wirtz, Szoboszlai, and Gravenberch to link play between midfield and attack.
It’s clear that the Dutch manager is trying to build an aggressive, high-tempo Liverpool — one that can dominate possession but also press high when out of it.
Player Spotlights
Rio Ngumoha
At just 16, Ngumoha showcased confidence and composure beyond his years. A goal and assist in his first Anfield appearance have already made him one to watch this season.
Cody Gakpo
With two goals in the second match, Gakpo showed his versatility and finishing quality. He looks increasingly comfortable operating both centrally and on the left.
Hugo Ekitike
The new signing made an immediate impact, providing the assist for Salah’s opener and linking well with the forward line. His physical presence and footwork could be vital this season.
Lineups
Match 1 – Liverpool 4–1 Athletic Club
Liverpool XI (4-3-3):
Woodman; Stephenson, Nyoni, Robertson, Tsimikas; Elliott, Jones, Mac Allister; Doak, Núñez, Ngumoha
Coach: Arne Slot
Athletic Bilbao XI (4-2-3-1):
Padilla; Gorosabel, Prados, De Luis, Lekue; Rego, Vesga; Serrano, Gomez, Berenguer; Guruzeta
Coach: Ernesto Valverde
Match 2 – Liverpool 3–2 Athletic Club
Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1):
Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konaté, Endo, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Coach: Arne Slot
Athletic Bilbao XI (4-2-3-1):
Unai Simón; Areso, Vivian, Berchiche, Boiro; Galarreta, Jauregizar; Iñaki Williams, Sancet, Nico Williams; Sannadi
Coach: Ernesto Valverde
What This Means for Liverpool
With the new season just days away, Liverpool’s convincing victories suggest that Arne Slot’s rebuild is heading in the right direction. The depth on display — from promising teenagers to high-impact signings — highlights a team that could challenge on multiple fronts in 2025/26.
The team now turns its attention to its final pre-season match against Ajax Amsterdam before opening the Premier League season against Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 17, 2025.
