Liverpool beat Como 2-0 in their final pre-season match

Liverpool defeated Como 2-0 at Anfield on 16 August. The match was Liverpool’s final public friendly before the new Premier League season. Cody Gakpo opened the scoring after 23 minutes. Jeremy Jacquet added the second goal shortly before halftime.

Liverpool controlled most of the first half and created the clearer chances. Como improved after the break but did not score. Ronald Araujo made his Liverpool debut during the second half. Both clubs now turn toward their opening league matches.

Gakpo finished Liverpool‘s first strong attack

Liverpool pressed high from the opening minutes and recovered the ball quickly. Como had little time to build attacks through central areas. The home side also moved the ball across the pitch at a fast pace. Alexander Isak had early chances and struck the post during Liverpool‘s pressure. The first goal arrived in the 23rd minute. Jeremie Frimpong advanced on the right and played a precise pass into the penalty area.

Gakpo controlled the ball before placing his shot beyond the goalkeeper. The move combined speed, width and a calm finish. Liverpool then continued attacking instead of protecting the narrow lead.

Jacquet scored before the halftime whistle

Como tried to move higher after the opening goal. Liverpool still found space on both sides of the visiting defence. Gakpo became the provider for the second goal in the 44th minute. He carried the ball down the left and sent a low pass across goal. Jacquet reached the delivery inside the six-yard area. The defender finished from close range and recorded a goal on his Liverpool debut.

The timing gave Liverpool a two-goal advantage at halftime.

It also rewarded another direct attack from a wide position. Como entered the break without converting its limited possession into a goal.

Como offered more resistance after the break

The visitors returned with a more active approach in the second half. Their midfield held the ball for longer periods. Como also reached Liverpool‘s defensive third more often than before halftime. Several attacks produced promising positions, but the attempts on goal lacked accuracy. Liverpool reduced the speed of the match without losing control. The hosts protected central areas and forced Como toward wider routes.

The score remained unchanged because both defences handled the later chances. Como‘s improvement gave its staff useful information before Serie A begins. Liverpool completed the match without allowing a goal.

Araujo completed his first Liverpool appearance

Ronald Araujo entered during the second half and played his first Liverpool minutes. The defender faced a more confident Como team after the interval. He responded with several firm defensive actions near the penalty area. His appearance added another option to Liverpool‘s defensive group. Match minutes also provided a better test than a training session. Araujo worked beside new teammates while the visitors applied their strongest pressure.

Victor Munoz also received playing time during the closing period. The substitutions changed Liverpool‘s structure without changing the result.

The team finished the friendly with a two-goal victory.

The clubs also played an earlier closed match

Liverpool and Como met twice at Anfield on the same day. An additional match began at noon behind closed doors. That game ended 0-0 before the public fixture started at 18:00. The double programme gave both clubs more competitive minutes before their league seasons. It also separated the work across two complete matches. The later game produced both goals during Liverpool‘s strong first half.

Results from the two fixtures were different. Neither team scored in the earlier meeting. Liverpool then found two goals before halftime in front of supporters and protected that advantage after the break.

Both clubs now prepare for league football

Liverpool begin their Premier League campaign away against Newcastle on 23 August. The Como match provided one final test at Anfield. The first-half performance showed effective pressing and direct work from both wings. Como open their Serie A season at Udinese on 22 August. Their second-half response gave the team a more useful end to the friendly. The visitors created opportunities but lacked an accurate final attempt.

The result closes Liverpool‘s public pre-season programme with a win. Gakpo contributed one goal and one assist. Jacquet marked his debut with the second goal, while Araujo gained his first minutes for the club.