 |
AC Milan beat Liverpool 4‑2 in a friendly at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on July 26, 2025. The Italian side showed sharp pace on the break to take control early in the second half . The match drew a near‑sell‑out crowd of 49,704 fans, the record for a football game at the new venue .
A tribute was held before kick‑off for Diogo Jota and his brother, who died in a car crash earlier this month . Players from both teams wore black armbands as a mark of respect. The moment brought silence over the packed stands, setting a quiet tone before the action.
Milan opened scoring in the 10th minute when Rafael Leão raced clear and curled a shot into the top corner. His burst of speed left Liverpool’s defense trailing . The Brazlian forward then celebrated with a pointed fist to the crowd.
Liverpool drew level in the 26th minute. Dominik Szoboszlai drifted past two markers before firing a low shot inside the far post . The Hungarian’s finish left Maignan with no chance and brought the Reds back on level terms.
Both teams pushed hard late in the first half. Pulisic and Leão forced Alisson into fine saves before the whistle. Despite a brief spell of pressure, neither side could add to the score before half‑time .
Milan struck again early in the second half. A swift break saw Noah Okafor tee up Ruben Loftus‑Cheek, who tucked the ball past Mamardashvili with ease . The Englishman’s composure on the counter proved key.
Moments later, Milan hit on the break again. Frimpong’s cross met Leão, who squared for Okafor. The Swiss forward tapped home to make it 3‑1 in the 59th minute . The quick double left Liverpool chasing the game.
Liverpool grabbed a lifeline in stoppage time. Cody Gakpo rose highest to head home from a corner and cut the deficit to 3‑2 . The late goal offered hope for a dramatic comeback.
That hope was short‑lived. A defensive mix‑up saw Okafor collect the ball and fire into an empty net. His second in stoppage time sealed a 4‑2 win for Milan .
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri praised his team’s sharp counter‑play and said they showed hunger since his return in May . He said the players trusted his plan and executed it well.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted his side paid for early mistakes. He noted absences of key players and said he used the match to test different positions . He added the trip to Japan will offer another chance to sharpen up.
Florian Wirtz made his first start since signing for Liverpool. The record signing showed glimpses of skill but lacked service in final third . Rio Ngumoha also impressed with his work rate in midfield.
Christian Pulisic stood out for Milan. He completed eight of nine passes in the first half and created several chances . His movement off the ball offered Milan extra width on the right.
Jeremie Frimpong made an impact off the bench. He set up Okafor’s second with a clever pass. His pace on the flank caused problems all evening .
Luis Díaz sat out amid transfer talk. Slot said the winger stayed behind due to speculation over his future . Darwin Núñez also missed after picking up a minor knock in training.
The match tested both teams’ fitness levels in hot, humid conditions. Players made frequent water breaks under Hong Kong’s new heat‑rule. Both sides battled physical fatigue in the closing stages.
Kai Tak Stadium buzzed with energy. Fans waved scarves and chanted songs as teams warmed up. The venue opens only this year and aims to host more big matches .
The game formed part of Milan’s Asia‑Pacific tour. The Rossoneri head next to Perth for a match against Perth Glory on July 31 . They will then return to Europe for the Serie A kick‑off.
Liverpool travels to Japan to face Yokohama F. Marinos on July 30 . They aim to regroup before their Premier League opener against Bournemouth on August 15.
The friendly offered fans a chance to see new signings. Milos Kerkez and Pervis Estupiñán made cameo appearances and showed promise. Both full‑backs looked sharp on the overlap.
AC Milan wore their new third kit for the first time. The red and black stripes drew cheers from the crowd. The jersey will go on sale in August.
Liverpool debuted in their 2025‑26 away kit. The grey shirt featured bold red trim and symbolized new dawn under Slot. Fans clapped as the squad paraded before kick‑off.
Social media lit up with highlights. Clips of Leão’s strike and Szoboszlai’s goal went viral. Fans praised the quality of the match and the lively atmosphere.
The result offers Milan confidence ahead of their season. They showed clinical edge and strong defense on the break. The win will boost morale for Serie A challenges.
Liverpool will learn from this defeat. Slot used the match to test depth and shape. The trip affords time to iron out flaws before league action.
Both coaches said the match served its purpose. It offered game time, fitness checks, and tactical lessons. Neither side will fret over the scoreline.
Fans are already talking about the next tour game. Many plan to follow Milan in Perth or Liverpool in Yokohama. The Asia‑Pacific tour cements both clubs’ global reach.
The match in Hong Kong marked a new chapter for Kai Tak Stadium. The packed crowd proved demand for quality football in Asia. Future summers may bring similar fixtures.
The late tribute to Jota reminded all of football’s unity. Players and fans stood together in sorrow before the game. The spirit of the tribute stayed through the 90 minutes.
Now the focus shifts to Japan and Australia. Both clubs chase fitness gains and tactical clarity. Pre‑season remains a testing ground for new methods.
Invite your thoughts. Which moments stood out for you? What lessons should Liverpool learn? How much did Milan’s counter‑attack shape the night? Share below.