Liverpool suffered a 4–2 defeat to AC Milan of their newest pre-season fixture, performed in entrance of a packed crowd on the newly opened Kai Tak Sports activities Park in Hong Kong, Softfootball studies.
Arne Slot named a robust beginning eleven, with Virgil van Dijk, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Alexis Mac Allister all that includes.
Quickfire targets from each golf equipment: Rafeal Leao for Milan and Dominic Szoboszlai for Liverpool, respectively.
Liverpool outclassed
Nonetheless, it was AC Milan who struck first. After simply 10 minutes, Rafael Leão drifted inside from the left and curled previous Alisson to open the scoring.
Liverpool responded with management and urgent depth, and their reward got here halfway by the primary half. Szoboszlai latched onto a rebound and slotted residence within the twenty sixth minute to stage issues.
However Milan punished Liverpool’s excessive line after the break. Ruben Loftus-Cheek made it 2–1 with a pushed shot from the sting of the field after a swift break. The Italians prolonged their lead quickly after Noah Okafor completed calmly within the 59th minute following a Liverpool turnover.
Slot made wholesale adjustments within the second half, handing minutes to kids together with Rio Ngumoha and Ben Doak. Florian Wirtz, on his unofficial debut, confirmed glimpses of creativity however struggled to interrupt Milan’s deep block.
Regardless of Cody Gakpo pulling one again in stoppage time with a well-placed end to make it 3–2, Milan hit again immediately. Okafor struck once more within the ultimate seconds, capitalising on stretched Liverpool traces and confusion within the field.
Liverpool dominated possession and registered extra photographs, however Milan’s tactical self-discipline and talent to spring ahead on the counter proved decisive. Defensive points have been evident, with each full-backs caught excessive on a number of events, a theme Slot might be eager to deal with earlier than the season begins.
Ngumoha’s efficiency was a shiny spot, impressing along with his shut management and drive at defenders. In the meantime, Wirtz confirmed flashes however lacked rhythm comprehensible given his quick integration time.
The Reds will now stay up for their ultimate preseason fixture earlier than the Group Defend. For Milan, it was a reminder of their European pedigree and a marker laid down with ruthlessness.
Sadly, Liverpool will proceed their preseason tour with out defender Joe Gomez, who was dominated out as a consequence of an Achilles downside. Softfootball had earlier reported that Gomez was despatched again to England to obtain intensive care forward of the brand new season, as additional data regarding him might be launched soonest.
In the meantime, the Merseyside paid tribute to Diogo Jota, who misplaced his life in a car-wrecking accident, alongside his brother. Sir Kenny Dalglish lays a floral tribute in loving reminiscence of Diogo Jota and his brother earlier than the beginning of the sport.
Rafael Leao additionally paid tribute to his fellow Portuguese and pal, after opening the scoring, as applause additionally broke out across the stadium in reminiscence of Diogo Jota within the twentieth minute, in respect to his shirt quantity.
