Liverpool continued their pre-season preparations with an entertaining 3-2 victory over Athletic Bilbao at Dublin's Aviva Stadium, with Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo both finding the net in an action-packed encounter.
Salah and Gakpo on Target in Dublin
The Reds took control early when Salah converted from the penalty spot after just 12 minutes, showing his trademark composure. Gakpo doubled the advantage before half-time with a clinical finish, demonstrating why Jurgen Klopp has such faith in the Dutch forward.
Bilbao Fight Back Before Liverpool Regain Control
Athletic Bilbao responded strongly after the break, with Alex Berenguer and Nico Williams both scoring to level the match. However, Darwin Nunez had the final say, netting Liverpool's winner in the 70th minute to cap an impressive individual performance.
The match served as valuable preparation for both sides, with Liverpool's attacking trio of Salah, Gakpo and Nunez showing promising signs ahead of the new Premier League campaign. Klopp will be particularly pleased with his side's resilience after being pegged back twice by the Spanish outfit.
Pre-Season Progress for Both Teams
For Athletic Bilbao, the game provided another opportunity to build fitness ahead of their La Liga campaign, with their attacking play causing Liverpool problems throughout. Both managers will take positives from an encounter that delighted the Dublin crowd with its intensity and goalmouth action.
Liverpool now turn their attention to their final pre-season fixtures before their Premier League opener against Chelsea on August 13th, while Athletic Bilbao continue preparations for their La Liga campaign starting on the same weekend.
