Gakpo and Salah Ignite Liverpool's Thrilling 3-2 Victory Over Athletic Club to Complete Perfect Doubleheader

Liverpool secured their second victory over Athletic Club on Monday evening at Anfield, with Arne Slot fielding a more seasoned lineup for the concluding match.

The encounter began with greater intensity compared to the earlier game of the double-header. Notably missing was Liverpool's skipper Virgil van Dijk, who was sidelined due to sickness.

Mohamed Salah broke the deadlock in the 14th minute following sustained Liverpool pressure on Athletic Club. Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitiké were carving through the opposition defense before the striker located Salah unmarked in the penalty area. The Egyptian forward made no error in finding the net.

Ekitiké particularly impressed during the initial 20 minutes, positioning himself on the left flank and looking to drift inward while Cody Gakpo hovered near the box's perimeter, making himself available for potential passes.

Similar to the earlier match, all participants observed a moment of silence in the 20th minute to pay tribute to the departed Diogo Jota and André Silva.

Oihan Sancet equalized for the away team in the 29th minute following another defensive lapse, this time from a dead ball situation. Slot will be disappointed with how both his teams defended throughout the day, despite their strong performances in other areas.

In the latter period, Ekitiké almost capped off a swift Liverpool counter-attack as the Reds demonstrated their potency on the break with two attacking fullbacks in Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong. Liverpool secured their second goal from the resulting corner following a quick routine and surge from Ryan Gravenberch. The midfielder unleashed a low drive which was parried, but eventually converted by Gakpo.

Gakpo unfortunately deflected a Maroan Sannadi attempt during a corner kick into his own net, but the Dutch attacker redeemed himself six minutes later with his second strike of the half. Former Salford City forward Will Wright made his Anfield bow in the second period, replacing Wirtz.

Salah had an opportunity to add to his goal tally in the 80th minute, but he blazed a spot-kick over the crossbar. The match concluded 3–2 with the Reds now focusing on Sunday's Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace.

Sports Illustrated's Liverpool player assessments from the fixture below.

Liverpool Player Ratings vs. Athletic Club (4-2-3-1)

Ratings Provided by FotMob

Player of the Match: Mohamed Salah