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Former Chelsea player Ruben Loftus-Cheek netted a goal as Premier League champions Liverpool fell to a 4-2 defeat against AC Milan during a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong on Saturday.
Despite dominating possession inside the closed roof of the Kai Tak Stadium, Liverpool’s shaky defence allowed AC Milan to capitalise on four scoring opportunities.
Rafael Leao put the Italian team in front just 10 minutes into the game, with Dominik Szoboszlai’s brilliant goal levelling the score at 1-1 by the 26th minute, leading into halftime. However, Loftus-Cheek struck just six minutes after the restart, and Noah Okafor added two goals, sandwiching a late header from Cody Gakpo, giving AC Milan the win.
In the packed crowd of 49,704, Liverpool supporters significantly outnumbered those cheering for AC Milan.
They paid a touching tribute to Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away earlier this month in a car accident. Flowers were laid by Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish in front of fans who responded by displaying a mosaic that read “DJ20,” honouring Jota’s number 20 shirt, which has been retired by the club.
Leao also paid his respects to the late Portuguese player Jota, offering a silent prayer and forming the number 20 with his fingers after scoring.
Wirtz played a full 45 minutes and appeared at ease managing the play, hinting at the potential that justified Bayer Leverkusen’s reported British transfer record of $150 million for the German midfielder.
Other new signings for Liverpool, including left-back Milos Kerkez and right-back Jeremie Frimpong, were introduced as substitutes at halftime.
On the other hand, striker Hugo Ekitike, acquired from Eintracht Frankfurt for a reported $92 million, was not prepared to participate, having only arrived to join his new teammates two days prior.
Liverpool began the match without a recognised central striker, as Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, who have both been rumoured to be leaving Anfield, were excluded from the matchday squad.
The team will now travel to Japan to take on Yokohama F-Marinos on Wednesday.
