The reason why Liverpool and La Liga side Athletic Bilbao are playing two friendlies on the same day has been revealed. The Reds have returned to Merseyside after their pre-season tour of Asia, where they faced the likes of AC Milan and Yokohama FM, as they continue their preparations for a Premier League title defence.
Ramping it up even further, Arne Slot’s men will feature in not one, but two games as they return to Anfield on Monday evening, with the first getting underway at 5pm and the second at 8pm. And the reason behind this has now been revealed.
Why Liverpool are Playing Two Games in One Day
An explanation has been given
Although it might seem unusual for two matches to be played in quick succession between the same sides, the line-ups for each game are expected to vary significantly. This scheduling gives Arne Slot and Ernesto Valverde a valuable opportunity to test fresh tactical ideas and assess different player pairings.
It also ensures that most of their senior players get substantial time on the pitch at Anfield. At this stage, it’s uncertain whether one of the teams will feature Liverpool’s full-strength starting XI or if the squads will be mixed with regular starters, fringe players, and youth prospects. It comes less than a week before the Reds’ first competitive game of the season against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday.
The first game of the day saw the likes of Darwin Nunez and teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha handed starts, with the pair both getting on the scoresheet. There was no place for Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz or Virgil van Dijk however, as they are expected to feature in the second game of the day.
Anfield Pays Tribute to Diogo Jota
The life of the former Reds striker was celebrated pre-match
Before kick-off, both sides celebrated the life of former Liverpool striker Diogo Jota in what was the first game at Anfield since the Portuguese star’s shock passing.
Wreaths were laid on the pitch prior to kick-off in honour of Jota and his brother Andre Silva, with thousands in the crowd waving flags bearing Jota’s name. A moment of silence was observed, followed by an incredibly emotional rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. The match also paused in the 20th minute, allowing applause to ring around the entire stadium.
Liverpool have planned several tributes to Jota this season. The number 20 has already been retired in the Premier League winner’s honour, and the players’ kits next season will feature a ‘Forever 20’ emblem.