Anfield pulsated with a blend of anticipation and optimism as Liverpool concluded their pre-season preparations with a commanding 2-0 victory over Serie A stalwarts Como. Under the astute guidance of new head coach Andoni Iraola, the Reds showcased flashes of their attacking prowess and the exciting potential of a refreshed squad, though a challenging second half served as a timely reminder of the work still ahead.
This final friendly offered a tantalizing glimpse into Iraola’s tactical vision, as first-half strikes from the clinical Cody Gakpo and debutant sensation Jeremy Jacquet sealed the win. The atmosphere was charged with the buzz of a new era, with significant summer signings keen to make their mark before the Premier League juggernaut begins.
Jacquet’s first goal in Red 👌
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 16, 2026
Liverpool wasted no time asserting their dominance, orchestrated by a midfield brimming with intent and a front line eager to press. The breakthrough arrived in the 23rd minute, a testament to the burgeoning partnership on the right flank. The electrifying Jeremie Frimpong, a constant menace with his searing pace and intelligent runs, carved open the Como defense. His precise, low cross found the ever-clinical Cody Gakpo, who, with a touch of understated brilliance, controlled the ball impeccably before arrowing a composed finish beyond Jean Butez. It was a goal that screamed Premier League quality: swift, incisive, and ruthless.
Frimpong ➡️ Gakpo!
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 16, 2026
As the first half drew to a close, Gakpo transitioned seamlessly from finisher to creator, showcasing his growing versatility within Iraola’s system. Receiving a probing pass from the imperious Virgil van Dijk, the Dutch international navigated the crowded penalty area before delivering a perfectly weighted, low ball across the face of goal. Lurking with predatory instinct was debutant Jeremy Jacquet, the £60 million summer acquisition from Rennes, who gleefully tapped home his first goal in a Red shirt. The roar from the Anfield faithful was a potent affirmation of the investment and the immense promise Jacquet brings. This “Orange connection,” featuring a trio of Dutch talent, appears to be a genuine weapon for Iraola’s new-look side.
Ryan Gravenberch, increasingly influential in the engine room, almost added a spectacular third goal just before the break, lifting a sweetly struck effort against the crossbar after a slick team move, a mere whisper away from perfection.
While the first half belonged largely to Liverpool, the second period proved a sterner examination, exposing areas where Iraola’s side still requires refinement. Como, managed by the tactically astute former Premier League star Cesc Fabregas, are no pushovers. Fresh off a respectable draw against Arsenal in another friendly, they showcased why they achieved their highest-ever position of fourth in Serie A last season. They adjusted, pressed higher, and began to find pockets of space, particularly on the counter-attack, forcing Liverpool to dig deep.
Neil Mellor, speaking on the club’s official broadcast, encapsulated the growing unease, stating, “It was a really good test for Liverpool against a decent side who caused a lot of problems. At times, Liverpool didn’t enjoy that second half.” The former Reds striker was spot on; the fluid dominance of the first half gave way to a more fragmented and anxious affair, with Como carving out genuine opportunities.
The Italian side’s best chances arrived late. Assane Diao, with a golden opportunity to halve the deficit after a sharp counter, sent his shot disappointingly wide, eliciting a collective sigh of relief from the Kop. However, the true moment of alarm came in the dying seconds when Tasos Douvikas broke clear, bearing down on goal. Only a truly world-class, sprawling save from Alisson Becker preserved Liverpool’s clean sheet, a testament to his enduring brilliance between the sticks. Mellor’s analysis echoed the sentiment: “[Douvikas] should have scored. It was a brilliant save from Alisson.” This late surge from Como serves as a crucial reminder for Iraola’s men: even in victory, defensive discipline and concentration for the full 90 minutes remain paramount, especially as they prepare for the relentless pace of the Premier League.
New Faces, New Ambition
Beyond the goalscorers, this pre-season finale offered further insights into Liverpool’s significant summer transfer activity. The towering presence of Alexander Isak, the Premier League’s most expensive signing ever at a staggering £125 million from Newcastle in September 2025, led the line. While not on the scoresheet, his intelligent movement, aerial presence, and hold-up play offered a different dimension to Liverpool’s attack. His presence alone signals a massive statement of intent from the club.
Centre-back Ronald Araujo, joining on a season-long loan from Barcelona, made a late appearance from the bench, his physicality and ball-playing ability adding further depth to the defensive ranks. These marquee additions, alongside the earlier introduction of Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister in a previous pre-season fixture against Como, underscore Liverpool’s ambition to challenge on all fronts. However, Iraola remains without key players like Joe Gomez (muscle), Jayden Danns (thigh), Hugo Ekitike (Achilles), Giovanni Leoni, and Conor Bradley (knee), highlighting the squad depth that will be tested.
Game Highlights
- 23′ GOAL LIVERPOOL!Cody Gakpo opens the scoring with a composed finish after a blistering run and precise low cross from Jeremie Frimpong.
- 44′ GOAL LIVERPOOL!Debutant Jeremy Jacquet taps in from close range, guided by a perfectly weighted low cross from Cody Gakpo, doubling the Reds’ lead.
- 45’+ CHANCE LIVERPOOL!Ryan Gravenberch strikes the crossbar with a powerful effort from the edge of the box after a flowing team move.
- 78′ CHANCE COMO!Assane Diao sends a clear opportunity wide after a swift counter-attack catches Liverpool’s defense flat.
- 90’+ ALISSON SAVE!Tasos Douvikas is denied by a brilliant, sprawling save from the Liverpool goalkeeper, preserving the clean sheet in the dying seconds.
What Lies Ahead: Premier League Beckons
With pre-season now concluded, the focus shifts sharply to the Premier League curtain-raiser. Liverpool faces a formidable challenge away at Newcastle United on August 23rd, a match that will be a true barometer of their readiness. This victory against Como, while not flawless, provides a much-needed confidence boost. The attacking cohesion, particularly in the first half, was promising, and the immediate impact of new signings like Jacquet and the presence of Isak are undeniably exciting.
However, the defensive frailties exposed by Como’s second-half resurgence cannot be ignored. Iraola has proven he can inject dynamism and tactical nous, but the Premier League offers no hiding place. Expect a high-octane, fiercely contested encounter at St. James’ Park. Liverpool’s firepower, spearheaded by the intelligent runs of Isak and the clinical finishing of Gakpo, combined with the creative spark of Frimpong and Dominik Szoboszlai, should be enough to overcome a sturdy Newcastle side, who will be eager to make a statement of their own.
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-2 Liverpool.The Reds will kick off their campaign with a hard-fought victory, but they’ll be made to work for every single point as Iraola’s revolution truly begins.
Liverpool team vs Como
Liverpool starting XI:Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, Jeremie Frimpong, Ryan Gravenberch, Rio Ngumoha
Liverpool substitutes:Harvey Davies, Victor Munoz, Ronald Araujo, Trey Nyoni, Lewis Koumas, Talla Ndiaye, Will Wright
Como full line up vs Liverpool
Como starting XI:Jean Butez, Yan Couto, Jacobo Ramon, Trevoh Chalobah, Kaiki, Lucas da Cunha, Martin Baturina, Mattia Liberali, Luis Milla, Jesus Rodriguez, Tasos Douvikas
Como substitutes:Mauro Vigorito, Edoardo Goldaniga, Maxence Caqueret, Alessandro Gabrielloni, Nico Paz, Emil Audero, Alberto Dossena, Adrian Lahdo, Nicolas Kuhn, Maximo Perrone, Alieu Fadera, Ivan Smolcic, Adam Asfour, Fabio Rispoli, Riccardo Cassano, Ignace Van der Brempt, Ivan Azon
Where to watch Liverpool vs Como: TV channel, online streams
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Liverpool vs Como friendly stats (Original Data Retained for Context)
- Liverpool’s only defeat during 2025/26 pre-season was against an Italian side, losing 4-2 to Milan in Kowloon, where Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo scored for the Reds
- Szoboszlai’s 88th-minute penalty gave them victory in their only competitive meeting with an Italian club last season, winning 1-0 at Inter during the league phase of the Champions League
- That was Liverpool’s fourth successive win in competitive matches against Italian teams, following up a 2-0 home victory over Bologna and 3-1 away defeat of Milan during the league phase in 2023/24
- Their first game on that run was a 1-0 win at Atalanta in the 2023/24 Europa League quarter-finals, although their preceding 3-0 defeat to La Dea at Anfield meant they exited on aggregate
- Against Italian clubs, Liverpool’s competitive record is W20 D6 L18, with none of their last 22 such matches finishing 0-0 since visiting Napoli during the Europa League group stage in October 2010
- Their draw at Arsenal was Como’s first 2026/27 pre-season away friendly, having played four previous warm-up games at home with an average of more than three goals per game
- They traded the lead with Paris FC in a 2-2 draw, came from behind to beat Al-Ula 3-1 and lost on penalties after a 1-1 draw with Villarreal in July, then shared three goals during the first 12 minutes with Famalicao on their way to a 3-2 victory
- Como had the third-best away record in Serie A last season, with only Inter and Milan taking more points and winning more games on the road
- Fabregas won the FA Cup in 2005 and reached the 2006 Champions League and 2007 EFL Cup finals during his time as an Arsenal midfielder between 2003 and 2011
- Now 39, Fabregas switched from Barcelona’s to Arsenal’s academy in 2003 and was their Player of the Season in 2007 and 2010