Milan vs Liverpool ended in a 4-2 defeat for the Reds in their second preseason fixture of the summer, highlighting defensive struggles and raising questions about key absentees. Liverpool’s £100 million ($134.3m) new signing Florian Wirtz made his much-anticipated debut, starting up front. At the same time, forwards Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez were excluded from the squad amid growing uncertainty over their future roles at the club.
The result adds to concerns as Liverpool Football Club matches continue under new manager Arne Slot. Despite some attacking promise, defensive gaps were evident throughout the game in Hong Kong. AC Milan capitalized early, with Rafael Leão giving the Italian side the lead after beating Virgil van Dijk in a swift break down the left flank.
Milan vs Liverpool: Defensive Lapses Overshadow Bright Moments
Still in the first half, Milan vs Liverpool brought one of the few bright moments for the Reds, as 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha showed composure and skill to set up Dominik Szoboszlai’s equaliser. The teams went into half-time level, with Slot making several changes for the second half—only Ryan Gravenberch remained on the pitch from the starting XI.
However, AC Milan games continued to expose Liverpool’s high defensive line. Milan’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek restored their lead after Leão broke through again and delivered a composed assist. Minutes later, Alexis Saelemaekers exploited space on Liverpool’s left to assist Noah Okafor for Milan’s third goal, leaving substitute goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili helpless.
Milan vs Liverpool: Tribute to Jota and Tactical Takeaways
The closing stages of Milan vs Liverpool saw more drama, as Cody Gakpo pulled one back from an Ibrahima Konaté cross. But in a chaotic finish, Mamardashvili’s venture upfield allowed Okafor to score his second into an empty net, sealing a two-goal cushion for Milan.
Fans at Kai Tak Sports Park paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota with a moving 20th-minute moment. Liverpool players wore shirts bearing the inscription “Diogo J. 20,” and Kenny Dalglish laid a wreath in front of the supporters—a touching moment that stood out in an otherwise tough outing for the team.
Despite the loss, positives included Wirtz’s bright debut, Jeremie Frimpong’s advanced role on the right, and Ngumoha’s confidence on the wing. As Liverpool football club matches ramp up, these performances may offer encouragement. Meanwhile, AC Milan games continue to demonstrate their clinical edge in transition—a factor that ultimately decided the match.
