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Liverpool held in check by Athletic Bilbao

August 8, 2021

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Summer preparation is soon coming to an end for Liverpool and before a final friendly meeting scheduled for Monday at Merseyside against Osasuna, Jürgen Klopp’s men faced Athletic Bilbao this Sunday at Anfield. Under the eyes of their supporters (70% gauge), the Reds presented themselves in 4-3-3. In goal, Alisson was protected by a defensive quartet consisting of Alexander-Arnold, van Dijk, Matip and Robertson. In the midfield, Milner and Keita accompanied the young Elliott (18). Set back from an attractive attacking trio: Salah-Jota-Mané. Opposite, Bilbao, which will launch its La Liga season against Elche on August 16, lined up a 4-4-2. As the last bulwark, Agirrezabala was supported by a line of 4 defensive players: Balenziaga-Martinez-Vivian-De Marcos. While Garcia and Vencedor were lined up at the heart of the game, Munian and Berenguer fueled the wings and the attacking duo: Williams-Sancet.

In a meeting allowing van Dijk, seriously injured last season, to continue to accumulate playing time, Liverpool started strong. On a service from Mané, Jota finished perfectly and deceived the vigilance of Agirrezabala (13th, 1-0). Dominators, the Reds, led by a very active Alexander-Arnold in his left lane and an often dangerous Mané, still had to be wary of the Spaniards. On two occasions, Alisson also deflected the attempts of Williams (21st, 35th). Just before half-time, the injury of Robertson, replaced by Beck at the break, left a new source of concern for Jürgen Klopp. Upon returning from the locker room, Alisson had to bow following a nice collective movement concluded by Berenguer (53rd, 1-1). And despite a last big opportunity through Elliott finding the crossbar (75th), the score remained unchanged (1-1). On August 14, the Reds will launch their new Premier League campaign against Norwich City.

The official compositions at the kick-off:

Liverpool XI

Bilbao XI

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