YOKOHAMA, Japan —
German midfielder Florian Wirtz opened his Liverpool account in style, scoring his first goal for the club during their 3-1 victory over Yokohama F. Marinos in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday.
More than 65,000 fans packed the stadium as the Premier League champions delivered an exciting performance in Japan.
“I am really happy that I could score my first goal. I hope there are more to come,”
— Wirtz said after the match.
Match Highlights
Yokohama stunned Liverpool by opening the scoring in the 55th minute through Asahi Uenaka, but Wirtz quickly responded, firing home a right-footed shot inside the box after a well-timed pass from Mohamed Salah.
Shortly after, Trey Nyoni volleyed in a cross from Jeremie Frimpong, putting the Reds ahead. The win was sealed when Rio Ngumoha dribbled from midfield and netted a powerful shot from the edge of the box.
Debuts & Absences
The match also marked the debut of French striker Hugo Ekitike, who recently joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt for a reported £69 million ($92 million).
However, goalkeeper Alisson Becker was absent, having traveled back to Brazil for personal reasons.
A poignant moment came before kickoff, as players and fans paid tribute to Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car crash earlier this month.
Manager’s Reaction
Liverpool manager Arne Slot praised the comeback but acknowledged his team needs to be more clinical in front of goal.
“It could be with a tough training camp and it could be with the heat circumstances... But that’s something that we definitely have to improve,”
— Slot commented.
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