Liverpool were defeated 4-2 by AC Milan in their pre-season friendly at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium on Saturday night.
The Reds fell behind early to a Rafael Leao goal but responded with an excellent strike from Dominik Szoboszlai to level the score at halftime.
After the break, Milan took control with two quick goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Noah Okafor in a decisive seven-minute spell.
Although Cody Gakpo’s stoppage-time header briefly gave Liverpool hope, a defensive error allowed Okafor to restore Milan’s two-goal lead with the final kick of the match.
Liverpool will now travel to Japan on Sunday to continue their tour, with their next friendly against Yokohama F. Marinos scheduled for Wednesday.
Tributes to Jota and Silva
Before kick-off, Liverpool paid respects to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva.
The players wore black armbands and jerseys bearing Jota’s name. One side of Kai Tak Stadium displayed a mosaic reading “DJ 20,” while Sir Kenny Dalglish laid a wreath in their memory.
Match Summary
The match began with chances at both ends. Alisson made a low save to deny Christian Pulisic after Liverpool lost possession early on.
Szoboszlai and Leao tested the keepers with shots from distance before Milan broke the deadlock in the 10th minute.
Leao, released on the left flank during a Milan counter-attack, fired a powerful angled shot into the roof of the net as Liverpool’s defense was caught out.
Liverpool soon equalised in style. Rio Ngumoha created space on the left and found Szoboszlai, who curled a beautiful shot over Milan keeper Mike Maignan into the top corner.
The first half continued with Liverpool pressing and Milan threatening on breaks.
Salah and Florian Wirtz linked up but couldn’t convert their chances. Pulisic had a close-range effort drift wide, and Alisson made a sharp save from a rebound volley.
Second Half Action
Liverpool started the second half positively, with Gakpo testing Milan’s goal early on. However, Milan soon regained the lead.
In 52 minutes, Leao’s pace created an assist for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who slotted home a low shot past Liverpool keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Seven minutes later, Milan extended their advantage when Alexis Saelemaekers set up Noah Okafor for a clinical finish.
Liverpool pushed to get back into the game, with Jeremie Frimpong causing problems down the right flank.
Frimpong forced a save with a strong angled shot and later set up Tyler Morton, whose attempt went wide.
Late Drama
In stoppage time, Gakpo scored a stunning header from an Ibrahima Konate cross, bringing Liverpool within one. But a defensive mix-up allowed Okafor to score the final goal, sealing Milan’s 4-2 victory.
The match was played in front of a record attendance at Kai Tak Stadium, marking a memorable evening despite Liverpool’s loss.
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