AC Milan ran out 4-2 winners against Liverpool at Kai Tak Sports Park. Rafael Leão, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Noah Okafor (2) all scored as Milan punished Liverpool’s defence. Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai found the net for the Reds. Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez were not in the squad.
Liverpool fell to a 4-2 defeat against a clinical AC Milan side in Hong Kong, despite dominating possession and territory for much of the match. The Reds lacked cutting edge and were undone by a ruthless Milan counter-attack, compounded by late errors in stoppage time.
Milan Ruthless, Liverpool Wasteful
Rafael Leão opened the scoring for Milan after just 10 minutes, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek doubled their advantage early in the second half. Liverpool looked to get back into the game through Dominik Szoboszlai, who found the net in the 26th minute with a composed finish.
However, Milan didn’t let up. Noah Okafor restored the two-goal cushion with a 59th-minute strike before adding a fourth in stoppage time (90+4') to cap off a standout individual performance. Cody Gakpo had pulled one back just a minute earlier (90+3'), but the late Milan goal shut the door firmly on any comeback hopes.
No Díaz or Núñez — Transfer Storm Brewing
Liverpool were notably without Luis Díaz or Darwin Núñez, both of whom are believed to be edging toward summer exits. Díaz is in talks with Bayern Munich, while Núñez is also expected to leave Anfield amid growing interest.
Liverpool vs Milan Match Stats (26 July 2025)
| Stat | Liverpool | Milan |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 68% | 32% |
| Shots | 18 | 10 |
| Shots on Target | 7 | 8 |
| Big Chances | 2 | 4 |
| Passes | 680 | 317 |
| Corner Kicks | 4 | 1 |
| Fouls | 5 | 12 |
| Tackles | 16 | 15 |
| Goalkeeper Saves | 4 | 5 |
Analyst Verdict
Liverpool may have bossed the ball, but their lack of efficiency in both boxes was glaring. While Milan gave up possession, they remained devastating on the break and finished their chances with clinical accuracy. Jurgen Klopp will be concerned by the ease with which his side were exposed in transition — especially given the likely exits of Díaz and Núñez.
For Milan, this was a confident, professional performance, particularly from Noah Okafor, who bagged a brace and staked his claim for a starting spot this season.
Key Takeaways
- Milan score four in style with Okafor netting twice.
- Szoboszlai and Gakpo hit back for Liverpool — too late.
- Díaz and Núñez absent as transfer talks heat up.
- Liverpool dominate stats but lose key moments.
- Defensive lapses cost Klopp’s side once again.
What’s Next for Liverpool?
Liverpool will now regroup ahead of their next pre-season clash, with questions mounting over squad depth and transfer strategy. If Díaz and Núñez both depart, replacements will be essential — especially in wide and central attacking roles. Jurgen Klopp is expected to use the final two friendlies to test tactical flexibility and assess younger talents pushing for a breakthrough.
Do Liverpool need to rush into the market — or is the squad still good enough even without Díaz and Núñez?
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