Liverpool’s Italian striker #14 Federico Chiesa (R) celebrates with Liverpool’s Dutch striker #18 Cody Gakpo (L) after scoring their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on August 15, 2025. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
Liverpool kicked off their Premier League title defense with a gripping 4-2 win against Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday, in a match filled with emotion and intensity.
The evening began with a moving tribute to the late Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, as fans honored them with a heartfelt applause in the 20th minute.
Debutant Hugo Ekitike made an immediate impact, scoring in the 37th minute after a slick move involving Dominik Szoboszlai, putting Liverpool ahead.
Cody Gakpo doubled the lead early in the second half, calmly slotting in a precise pass from Ekitike to make it 2-0.
Bournemouth fought back, with Antoine Semenyo pulling one back in the 64th minute, capitalizing on a swift counterattack with a composed finish.
Semenyo struck again in the 76th minute, skillfully navigating Liverpool’s defense before unleashing a powerful shot past Alisson to level the score.
Liverpool regained the lead late when substitute Federico Chiesa scored with a close-range volley in the 88th minute.
In added time, Mohamed Salah secured the victory with a thunderous strike, cementing his status as the Premier League’s leading scorer on opening matchdays.
The match was briefly halted after Semenyo reported racial abuse from the crowd, leading officials to intervene.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot lauded his team’s determination, singling out Ekitike’s contribution and the squad’s unity in honoring Jota’s memory.
Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola praised Semenyo’s display but lamented defensive errors that proved decisive in the final moments.
The victory gives Liverpool early momentum, blending attacking brilliance with emotional resolve in a match that will linger in fans’ memories for its passion and drama.
