Full-Time: Liverpool 4-1 Athletic Club — Reds Begin Anfield Double-Header in Style

The return to Anfield couldn’t have been any better for Arne Slot’s Liverpool. In the first of today’s high-stakes double-headers, the Reds delivered a commanding 4-1 win over Spanish side Athletic Club, sending a clear message to fans and rivals alike — this new era is ready to roar.

From the very first whistle, Liverpool looked sharp and purposeful. The front line wasted no time asserting their dominance, and it was the young and electrifying Trey Nyoni Ngumoha who got things rolling. With blistering pace and ice-cold composure, the teenage sensation opened the scoring and gave the crowd something to shout about.

Darwin Núñez, often a lightning rod for discussion, added to the tally shortly after. With movement reminiscent of his Benfica days and finishing as clinical as ever, he found the net with a low strike that sent Anfield into a frenzy. He looks like a man on a mission — one who is clearly thriving under Slot’s guidance.

Then came Ben Doak — another name Liverpool fans are quickly falling in love with. The Scottish winger, known for his fearless dribbling and relentless energy, made it 3-0 before halftime with a perfectly timed run and finish. The 18-year-old’s celebration said it all: this is a player who believes he belongs at the very top.

Despite the early onslaught, Athletic Club did manage to get one back in the second half. A well-taken strike showed that the visitors weren’t just in Merseyside for a walk in the park. Still, the Reds were never truly rattled.

With the game largely in hand, Slot used the second half to rotate and assess his squad. Several academy prospects were handed key minutes, and their maturity and confidence stood out. It was a glimpse of Liverpool’s future — fast, technical, and fearless.

The crowd responded in kind, rising to their feet more than once to applaud not just the goals, but the courage and hunger on display. The energy around Anfield felt different — like something special is building brick by brick, player by player.

This win also marked a deeper, more emotional return. It was Liverpool’s first game at home since the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The atmosphere before kickoff was heavy with tribute, and the players responded with a performance worthy of the man who wore the number 20 shirt with pride.

While the scoreline will grab headlines, it was the collective hunger and spirit that truly defined this performance. Arne Slot’s philosophy is beginning to take shape — one of high press, vertical passes, and relentless intensity. It’s a style that suits Liverpool, and more importantly, one that suits the fans.

Now, with a second match still to come today, the message is clear: Liverpool are not easing into the new season — they’re storming into it. The Reds look ready to compete on all fronts, blending experience with youthful promise in a way that feels both exciting and strategic.

If this was the opening act, then Anfield better brace itself for what’s coming next.