Liverpool vs. AC Milan: Pre-Season Friendly Recap – July 26, 2025

Liverpool vs. AC Milan: Pre-Season Friendly Recap – July 26, 2025

Hong Kong Showdown Ends in Defeat for Reds

In a thrilling pre-season friendly at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium, Liverpool faced AC Milan on July 26, 2025, in a match that showcased both attacking flair and defensive vulnerabilities. The clash, part of Liverpool’s Asia tour, ended in a 4-2 victory for AC Milan, with the Serie A side capitalizing on swift counter-attacks to outshine the Premier League champions.

Match Highlights

The game kicked off at 12:30 PM BST (7:30 PM local time) with an electric atmosphere as 49,704 fans filled the stands. AC Milan struck early, with Rafael Leao opening the scoring in the 11th minute, assisted by USMNT star Christian Pulisic. Liverpool responded before halftime, as Dominik Szoboszlai curled in a stunning equalizer in the 26th minute, earning praise for his sharp performance.

The second half saw Milan take control. Ruben Loftus-Cheek restored their lead in the 52nd minute, followed by a brace from substitute Noah Okafor (59th and 90+4th minutes), who exploited Liverpool’s defensive lapses, including a glaring error from goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. Cody Gakpo pulled one back for Liverpool in stoppage time (90+3rd minute) with a well-guided header, but it wasn’t enough to salvage a result.

Team News and Performances

Liverpool’s lineup featured new signings Florian Wirtz and Rio Ngumoha, who both impressed with their energy and creativity. Wirtz, the £116m addition from Bayer Leverkusen, showed glimpses of his potential in his first start, while 16-year-old Ngumoha looked comfortable on the big stage. However, the absence of key players like Darwin Núñez and Luis Diaz sparked transfer speculation, with reports suggesting interest from other clubs. Alexis Mac Allister also missed out due to a lingering groin injury, and new signing Hugo Ekitike watched from the sidelines, likely to debut in Liverpool’s next friendly against Yokohama F. Marinos.

Milan, under Massimiliano Allegri’s guidance, leaned on their experienced core. Leao was the standout, earning man-of-the-match honors from some observers, while Pulisic and Loftus-Cheek provided attacking thrust. Milan’s clinical finishing and disciplined defending made the difference, despite Liverpool dominating possession with 68.4% and registering 18 shots to Milan’s 10.

What We Learned

- Defensive Concerns for Slot: Liverpool’s high line was repeatedly exposed by Milan’s counter-attacks, highlighting the need for a reliable centre-back. Arne Slot may prioritize reinforcements before the transfer window closes on September 1.

- Wirtz and Ngumoha Shine: The young duo offered bright sparks, with Wirtz’s playmaking and Ngumoha’s fearless runs suggesting they could be key for the 2025-26 season.

- Milan’s Counter-Attack Mastery: Allegri’s side showed why they’re a force in Serie A, with Leao and Okafor proving lethal in transition.

How to Watch and Follow

The match was streamed live on All Red Video, Liverpool’s dedicated platform, with replays and highlights available for members. Fans in the US could also catch the action on Paramount+ and CBS. For live text commentary and post-match analysis, This Is Anfield and Liverpool’s official app provided comprehensive coverage.

What’s Next?

Liverpool now head to Japan to face Yokohama F. Marinos on July 30, where fans may see Hugo Ekitike’s debut. The Reds will continue fine-tuning their squad ahead of the Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace on August 10 and the Premier League opener against Bournemouth on August 15.

Despite the defeat, there were positives for Arne Slot to build on, with young talents stepping up and the team showing attacking intent. However, defensive improvements will be crucial as Liverpool gear up for their title defense.

Stay tuned for more updates from Liverpool’s pre-season tour, and let us know your thoughts on the match in the comments below!