Liverpool went to Yokohama, Japan, on July 30, 2025, to play a friendly match against J-League team Yokohama F. Marinos before the season started. The famous Yokohama Stadium hosted the game, where the Premier League team overcame a 3-1 deficit.
A wake-up call and early pressure
Yokohama F. Marinos showed no fear at the start of the match. Three minutes into the game, Jun Amano tried to volley from inside the penalty area, but his shot was blocked and sent out for a corner.
In the 9th minute, Cody Gakpo broke down the left side and took a powerful shot that hit the post. It was a close call that could have changed the game’s momentum.
Liverpool put a lot of pressure on the home team early on, but it was the home team that scored first. Ren Kato sent a perfectly weighted through ball to Asahi Uenaka in the 55th minute.
Uenaka scored from a tight angle with a perfect shot into the bottom corner, giving Yokohama a surprise 1-0 lead and temporarily shocking the fans who had come to see them.
Wirtz Started the Comeback
Liverpool, on the other hand, stayed calm. They scored the equalizer just seven minutes after giving up a goal, thanks to their newest player, Florian Wirtz. Wirtz picked up the ball outside the box and hit a powerful low drive past the goalie to tie the game and score his first goal for the club.
Nyoni and Ngoma Make the Win Happen
Liverpool didn’t take long to lead once they regained their momentum. In the 68th minute, 18-year-old midfielder Trey Nyoni ran perfectly to meet a low cross at the far post and calmly put the ball in the net.
However, 16-year-old Rio Ngoma was the true highlight of the match. Ngoma got the ball near the edge of the box in the 85th minute. He confidently dribbled the ball and finished coolly by placing it low in the corner of the net. His solo effort was a magical moment that finished off Liverpool’s comeback in style.
Dominance in Stats and Future Promise
Liverpool had 65% of the ball and took 18 shots, showing that they were in charge of most of the game despite the early scare. More importantly, the way Wirtz, Nyoni, and Ngoma played showed how deep and promising the team is for the future.
Liverpool journalist David Lynch said after the game, “We usually don’t get too excited about a 16-year-old. But you can’t help but do it with Rio Ngoma. That kid is something special.”
Many fans praised Ngoma’s bravery and creativity on social media, and many called him a future star.
Liverpool’s win in the preseason gives them a boost as they get ready for the Premier League and Champions League seasons. Expectations are rising as the team mixes well-known players with up-and-coming stars.
If these young players continue to perform well, Liverpool could have additional strategies for the upcoming season.
