Wirtz shines in debut, but Liverpool fall to AC Milan in Hong Kong friendly

Former Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek was on the scoresheet as AC Milan defeated Premier League champions Liverpool 4-2 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong.

The Reds, featuring new record signing Florian Wirtz in the starting lineup for the first time, dominated possession but were undone by defensive errors that allowed Milan to capitalise with four goals.

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Rafael Leao struck early in the 10th minute to put Milan ahead before Liverpool responded with a stunning equaliser from Dominik Szoboszlai in the 26th minute, ending the first half at 1-1.

Six minutes into the second half, Loftus-Cheek restored Milan’s lead, and substitute Noah Okafor added a brace, his goals sandwiching a late header from Cody Gakpo for Liverpool.

A sellout crowd of 49,704, mostly Liverpool supporters, created a vibrant atmosphere and paid an emotional tribute to forward Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident earlier this month.

Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish laid flowers before fans lifted a mosaic that read “DJ20” in memory of Jota, whose number 20 shirt has been retired by the club.

Leao also honoured his late compatriot with a silent prayer and by forming the number 20 with his fingers after his goal.

Wirtz, who cost Liverpool a reported British record fee of $150 million from Bayer Leverkusen, impressed in his 45-minute debut, showcasing composure and creativity in midfield.

Summer signings Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong were introduced at halftime, but striker Hugo Ekitike, recently signed for $92 million from Eintracht Frankfurt, was not involved after arriving only two days earlier.

Liverpool were without a recognised central striker, as Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, both reportedly linked with moves away, were excluded from the squad. Defender Joe Gomez has also returned to England for treatment on a minor Achilles injury.

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The Reds are now set to continue their pre-season tour with a match against Yokohama F-Marinos in Japan on Wednesday.