Full Breakdown
Liverpool End Pre-Season with 2-0 Victory Over Como
8/17/2026, 2:11:43 AM
Core Event: Liverpool Defeat Como 2-0 at Anfield
On August 16, 2026, Liverpool hosted Italian side Como Calcio at the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby, England. The Reds secured a 2-0 win, with Cody Gakpo opening the scoring in the 23rd minute and Jeremy Jacquet adding a second on the stroke of halftime. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker kept a clean sheet, and the match concluded the club’s pre-season programme ahead of the Premier League opener.
Background & Context
The friendly was the second of two matches against Como on the same day. The earlier encounter ended 0-0, featuring only a handful of regular starters. Liverpool’s pre-season schedule also included a 1-1 draw with Premier League champions Arsenal. The victory comes just days before Liverpool travel to St James’ Park for their first league match against Newcastle United on August 23, 2026.
Key Figures
- Jeremy Jacquet – 21-year-old French centre-back, signed from Rennes for £60 million in January 2026; made his Liverpool debut.
- Cody Gakpo – Dutch forward, provided the assist for Jacquet’s goal.
- Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool captain, partnered Jacquet in the first half.
- Andoni Iraola – Liverpool head coach, overseeing the pre-season.
- Ronald Araujo – Uruguayan defender on loan from Barcelona, substituted on at halftime.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Liverpool 2 – 0 Como.
- Goals: Gakpo (23’) and Jacquet (45’).
- Jacquet played the first 45 minutes before being replaced by Araujo.
- Alisson Becker recorded a clean sheet; the defense limited Como to a handful of shots, with Jesús Rodríguez forcing a save and Tasos Douvikas’ effort blocked by van Dijk.
- Transfer fee for Jacquet: £60 million from Rennes.
- Liverpool’s pre-season record: three wins, two defeats, one draw across six friendlies.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Andoni Iraola said the team needed the confidence of finishing with a clean sheet and a win, noting that the first half was stronger than the second but that the side maintained organization and composure. He emphasized the importance of every player’s effort and highlighted the defensive partnership between Jacquet and van Dijk as a promising development. The club’s communications indicated that Jacquet is viewed as a long-term solution at centre-back, while Araujo is expected to provide additional cover.
Why It Matters / Impact
Jacquet’s goal and overall performance give Liverpool a clear indication of his readiness for competitive action, potentially influencing the defensive lineup for the upcoming league match at Newcastle. The clean-sheet victory also suggests progress in the defensive organization that was criticized in the previous season. Additionally, the match provided a platform for other new signings, such as Florian Wirtz and the loan arrival Ronald Araujo, to stake claims for regular minutes. The result arrives as Liverpool continues to explore further transfer options, with reports of ongoing negotiations for winger Bradley Barcola.
What’s Next
Liverpool travel to St James’ Park on August 23, 2026 for their Premier League debut against Newcastle United. The coaching staff is expected to finalize the starting XI based on the performances in the Como friendly, particularly the defensive pairing of Jacquet and van Dijk. Transfer activity remains active, with the club reportedly in talks with Paris Saint-Germain for winger Bradley Barcola.
