Merseyside | Liverpool suffer first pre-season defeat of summer

Liverpool 2 - 4 AC MIlan

Liverpool fell to a 4-2 defeat against AC Milan in Hong Kong, conceding three goals on the counter in a disjointed pre-season display.

Author | William G

Stadium | Kai Tak Sports Park

Arne Slot’s side were repeatedly exposed on the break, with Rafael Leão, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Noah Okafor punishing slack defending. The new Liverpool manager named experimental backlines in both halves, and the early signs were troubling. Virgil van Dijk was unable to prevent Leão’s well-taken opener in the tenth minute, though Dominik Szoboszlai responded with a moment of quality, curling a superb strike into the top corner after 26 minutes.

Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s £116m summer signing, impressed in a false nine role during the first half, while 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha was lively on the left, troubling Milan’s defence with his pace and direct running.

Ryan Gravenberch, who started in central defence, was the only player to remain on the pitch after the break, but he too could do little to prevent Milan striking again. Leão surged forward and set up Loftus-Cheek to restore the Italians’ lead with a low finish. Just minutes later, Alexis Saelemaekers found space on the right and squared for Okafor, who swept in Milan’s third.

READ MORE | Pre Season 2025 match reports

Cody Gakpo offered a late glimmer of hope with a well-directed header in stoppage time, converting Ibrahima Konaté’s cross. But any prospect of a dramatic comeback vanished almost immediately. A communication breakdown between goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and Kostas Tsimikas gifted Okafor a second goal, rolling into an unguarded net.

The result marks Liverpool’s first defeat of the summer. They continue their pre-season schedule with a match against Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan on Wednesday, kicking off at 11.30am UK time.

Diogo Jota tribute

Before the match, there was an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota. 

More transfer activity for Liverpool?

In his post-match press conference, Arne Slot expressed satisfaction with the Reds' transfer activity this summer, while also highlighting the necessity of further strengthening the squad for their Premier League title defense.

Slot noted that while the club didn’t make signings last year and still won the league, repeating that approach would likely not be enough this time. He stressed the importance of both improving existing players and adding new talent, describing recent signings as bringing fresh energy and new qualities. He said he is pleased with the club’s transfer activity so far.