Liverpool’s preparations for the new season suffered an unexpected blow as Monaco claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory at Anfield. The match marked Liverpool’s first home outing under head coach Andoni Iraola, who named a strong starting line-up in an effort to deliver an encouraging result for the supporters. Alexander Isak led the line, with Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai providing attacking support. Despite an impressive start, defensive lapses allowed Monaco to complete a late comeback.
The hosts began with purpose and controlled the early stages of the contest. Liverpool’s attacking movement caused Monaco problems, while their midfield pressed high and looked to win possession quickly. Iraola’s side appeared confident after taking a two-goal lead inside the opening half-hour. However, the visitors remained dangerous on the counter-attack and capitalised on key moments before the break.
Isak and Wirtz give Reds early control
Liverpool opened the scoring in the 16th minute through Isak. The striker showed excellent technique to bring the ball under control before firing a decisive finish beyond the Monaco goalkeeper. It was a sharp piece of forward play and offered a glimpse of the quality Liverpool hope he can bring during the campaign. The Anfield crowd responded warmly as the home side continued to push forward.
Wirtz doubled the advantage in the 29th minute after reacting quickest to a scramble inside Monaco’s penalty area. The German playmaker arrived at the right time to convert from close range and put Liverpool firmly in control. At that stage, the home side looked capable of turning the game into a comfortable win. Yet Monaco were handed a route back into the match shortly before half-time.
Monaco punish defensive errors
Virgil van Dijk conceded a penalty in the 42nd minute after fouling a Monaco player inside the box. Aleksandr Golovin stepped up and confidently beat Alisson to reduce the deficit to 2-1. The goal shifted the momentum and gave the French side renewed belief heading into the second half. Liverpool’s defensive concentration would again be tested after the restart.
Monaco levelled the score early in the second period through Mika Biereth. Liverpool’s defence allowed the forward two attempts from close range, with Alisson making an initial save before Biereth converted the rebound. The Reds responded by committing more players forward, but their finishing lacked the precision needed to restore the lead. Monaco then delivered the decisive blow in the 88th minute, when Paris Brunner scored to seal a memorable 3-2 victory for the visitors.