Liverpool warmed up for the start of the new season in the English Premier League. The Reds ended their pre-season with two wins over Athletic Bilbao on Monday night, 4:1 and 3:2 respectively.

At Anfield, there was an evacuation of fans from the stands before the start of the first match with the Basques, but after that all was well. 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha continued to impress with his performances in the friendlies, opening the scoring in the second minute of the first match. Three minutes later, Darwin Nunez made it 2:0, and the classic result was formed after an own goal by goalkeeper Alex Padilla. Harvey Elliott scored after the break, and Athletic reached a consolation goal through Gorka Guruzeta.

In the second friendly between the two teams, Mohamed Salah put the Merseysiders ahead after an assist from new signing Hugo Ekitike. Oihan Sancet equalised before Cody Gakpo came on the scene. He restored the Reds' lead, scored an own goal to make it 2:2, and then scored the winning goal of the game. Salah, however, missed from the penalty spot.

In both matches, there was applause in the 20th minute in memory of the deceased Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.

Liverpool open their campaign with the traditional Community Shield match on Sunday, August 10. Arne Slot and company's opponent is FA Cup holders Crystal Palace. Five days later, the Premier League champions begin their title defence at home to Bournemouth. | BGNES