Liverpool Begins Pre-Season With 3-1 Victory Over Preston

Liverpool opened their summer pre-season campaign with a 3-1 win over Preston North End at Deepdale on Sunday, in a fixture defined as much by its emotional weight as its sporting result.

The match marked the Reds’ return to action following the heartbreaking loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, whose tragic passing was honoured with moving tributes before and during the game.

Manager Arne Slot deployed two entirely different XIs in each half, using the opportunity to rotate the squad. Giorgi Mamardashvili started in goal for the first half, while Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez were introduced in the second period.

First Half

The game began with a solemn moment of silence in memory of Diogo and Andre, observed impeccably by players and supporters alike.

Liverpool’s attacking intent was clear from the outset, with young winger Rio Ngumoha making an early impression on the left, supported by Federico Chiesa through the middle and Mohamed Salah on the right. Ngumoha’s confident runs and a sharp turn from Ryan Gravenberch set up an early shooting opportunity for the teenager.

Chiesa nearly opened the scoring midway through the half, only to be denied by a last-ditch tackle from Preston’s Lewis Gibson after a defensive lapse.

On the 20-minute mark, the entire stadium rose to pay tribute as images of Diogo and Andre were displayed on the big screen. A touching, near 10-minute rendition of Jota’s chant echoed from the away end, sung with heartfelt pride and love.

Liverpool’s opening goal arrived shortly after. Ngumoha combined with Chiesa, whose pass found Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian’s shot deflected into the path of Conor Bradley, who calmly finished at the back post to give the Reds the lead.

Second Half

A completely reshuffled Liverpool side returned after the interval, and within minutes, Darwin Nunez made it 2-0. The Uruguayan forward capitalised on a poor backpass, rounded goalkeeper Daniel Iversen, and slotted into an empty net. He then paid tribute to Jota with a series of his signature goal celebrations in front of the travelling supporters.

Jeremie Frimpong impressed with his direct dribbling from the right, and one of his runs nearly resulted in a third goal as Curtis Jones sent a powerful strike narrowly wide.

Preston responded late in the game when Liam Lindsay rose to head home powerfully and reduce the deficit to 2-1.

However, Liverpool had the final word. Ben Doak found Cody Gakpo with a clever pass, aided by a subtle dummy from Nunez. Gakpo finished with composure, before turning to the away fans and signing the number 20 with his hands—a final, fitting tribute to Diogo Jota.

The Premier League champions begin their 2025-26 preparations with a well-earned victory, but more significantly, the match served as a poignant occasion to honour two beloved members of the football family. The memories of Diogo and Andre will continue to inspire Liverpool’s journey this season and beyond.