Liverpool Falls to AC Milan 2-4 in Preseason Friendly in Hong Kong

In a highly anticipated preseason friendly held on July 26, 2025, Liverpool FC faced AC Milan at the Kai Tak Sports Park in Kowloon City, Hong Kong. The match concluded with a 4-2 victory for Milan, marking a challenging outing for the English club as they continue their preparations for the upcoming season.

The game was notable for the debut of Liverpool’s new £100 million signing, Florian Wirtz, who started up front. Despite his presence, Liverpool's attack struggled to convert opportunities, while their defense was repeatedly exposed by Milan’s counter-attacks.

AC Milan opened the scoring early in the match when Portuguese forward Rafael Leão capitalized on a defensive lapse from Liverpool's captain, Virgil van Dijk. Leão broke free down the left flank and scored from a tight angle just ten minutes into the game. Liverpool responded with an equalizer in the 26th minute, as Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a stunning strike following a clever assist from 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha.

The first half ended with both teams locked at 1-1. Changes made by Milan's coach Arne Slot during the halftime break saw several substitutions, including the introduction of new signings Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. The second half saw an immediate resurgence from Milan, who took advantage of Liverpool’s high defensive line. Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored the second goal for Milan shortly after the restart, finishing from close range after a swift counter-attack initiated by Leão.

Milan extended their lead to 3-1 in the 59th minute when Noah Okafor converted a well-placed cross from Alexis Saelemaekers. Although Liverpool managed to reduce the deficit with a goal from Cody Gakpo in stoppage time, Milan quickly restored a two-goal cushion. An error by Liverpool's goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili allowed Okafor to score his second goal of the match into an empty net, concluding the scoring at 4-2.

This friendly match served as a tribute to the late Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident on July 3. Attendees observed a moment of silence, and players wore jerseys honoring Jota, further emphasizing the emotional atmosphere of the game.

Looking ahead, Liverpool's defensive vulnerabilities were exposed during this match, raising concerns for their upcoming season. Experts, such as Dr. John Smith, a sports analyst at the University of Liverpool, noted that the team needs to solidify their backline if they aim to compete successfully in the Premier League and European competitions. Meanwhile, Milan demonstrated effective tactical execution, which could bode well for their campaign in Serie A.

The match attracted an impressive crowd of 49,704 spectators, reflecting the growing global appeal of both clubs. As Liverpool continues to integrate new signings and adjust their tactics, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching their progress in subsequent matches. This encounter not only highlighted the potential of emerging talents but also underscored the challenges that lie ahead for Liverpool as the new season approaches.