Liverpool (ENG) narrowly defeated Athletic Bilbao (ESP) 3-2 in a high-octane international club friendly that showcased talent, resilience, and unexpected drama. With Kenyan football fans increasingly following top European teams, this clash served as the perfect football appetizer ahead of the new season.
Whether you’re a die-hard Reds supporter or a fan of La Liga action, this match delivered entertainment and talking points galore.
🔥 Match Overview
- Fixture: Liverpool vs. Athletic Bilbao
- Type: World Club Friendly
- Scoreline: Liverpool 3 – 2 Athletic Bilbao
This friendly match saw tactical rotations, intense pressing, and a nail-biting finish. Liverpool, powered by standout performances from Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, narrowly escaped with victory, despite a stubborn and fluid Bilbao side.
⚽ 1st Half Recap: Early Sparks and Equalizers
The match kicked off at a thrilling pace, with Liverpool opening the scoring in the 14th minute, courtesy of a well-timed strike by Mohamed Salah, assisted by Hugo Ekitike.
Bilbao responded in the 29th minute, leveling the score through Oihan Sancet, with a sharp assist from Dani Vivian.
A brief scare followed in the 43rd minute as Canales collided with Sancet, but both were cleared to continue. The half ended with both teams locked at 1-1.
🔄 2nd Half Drama: Own Goals, Missed Penalties and Redemption
The second half saw Gakpo involved in almost every key moment.
- 53′: A counter led by Liverpool ended with Ruiz de Galarreta conceding a goal, though not attributed.
- 55′: Cody Gakpo scored, pushing Liverpool ahead 2-1.
- 64′: A rare moment — Gakpo accidentally scored an own goal, leveling the match at 2-2.
- 70′: Redemption came swiftly as Gakpo netted again, giving Liverpool a 3-2 lead.
Liverpool had a chance to widen the gap, but Mohamed Salah missed a penalty in the 81st minute — a rare sight for fans.
🔁 Key Substitutions and Tactical Changes
Liverpool and Bilbao both made several substitutions to test squad depth and maintain tempo:
Notable Liverpool Changes:
- 57′: Federico Chiesa replaced Ekitike
- 72′: Nallo A. in for Jeremie Frimpong
- 74′: Wright W. came on for Florian Wirtz
Notable Athletic Bilbao Changes:
- A series of triple subs in the 78th minute included Izeta, Louis-Jean, and Vencedor
- 82′: Ares A. replaced Inaki Williams
These substitutions injected fresh energy but did little to overturn the final result.
📊 Quick Match Stats (Summary)
- Goals: Salah (14′), Sancet (29′), Gakpo (55′, 70′, 64′ OG)
- Penalty Missed: Salah (81′)
- Total Goals: 5
- Substitutions: 10+ combined
- Final Score: Liverpool 3 – 2 Athletic Bilbao
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📝 Final Thoughts
The Liverpool vs. Athletic Bilbao match was a friendly in name only. With Gakpo’s heroics, Salah’s highs and lows, and Bilbao’s brave fight, it served up a compelling spectacle.
For Kenyan fans, the match reaffirmed why European football continues to dominate our screens — and our hearts.
