Liverpool will head to the new Premier League season with momentum on their side after beating Osasuna, 3-1, in their final preseason friendly on Monday. Roberto Firmino starred for the Reds, who are desperate to regain the league title they lost to Manchester City last campaign.
The Reds heavily rotated their squad for this encounter, with many of their main players rested. Kostas Tsimikas, Fabinho, Ibrahima Konate, and Roberto Firmino made sure Liverpool's quality did not drop as the Reds got off to an excellent start in this match.
Reds start strong, scoring three first-half goals against Osasuna
They took a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute after an own goal by Osasuna's Jesus Areso. Takumi Minamino was the beneficiary of that miscue as his effort was deflected into the back of the net by a helpless Areso.
The Reds continued to pile on the pressure, and they were once again rewarded in the 21st minute with Roberto Firmino doubling Liverpool's advantage with a wonderful strike after a delightful cross by Kostas Tsimikas.
Firmino scored his second goal of the night just 20 minutes later to give Liverpool a 3-0 edge before the half-time break. He produced an exquisite touch from Minamino's excellent delivery, taking the ball down with ease before blasting a shot past the Osasuna keeper.
Kike pulled one goal back for Osasuna in the 70th minute, but the damage was already done to the Spanish outfit at that point. Even though the Reds failed to score in the second half, fans were happy to see Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara back in action for Liverpool.
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Henderson and Thiago return to action for Liverpool
The two players made their first appearances for Liverpool this preseason, appearing as substitutes in the second half against Osasuna. Henderson and Thiago were given extra rest this offseason after their exploits in the Euro 2020. It didn't help that Thiago had a slight injury that delayed his return, but it appeared that the problem had been resolved with his cameo appearance on Monday.
The friendly match was organized in tribute to the late Michael Robinson, who played for both Liverpool and Osasuna during his career. The Reds faithful rose for a minute at Anfield to applaud Robinson and former player Tommy Leishman, who died last month.
Liverpool's 3-1 victory over Osasuna was a welcome result for the Reds, who were held to a 1-1 draw in their previous match against Athletic Bilbao. That friendly match proved costly for Liverpool as defender Andy Robertson suffered ankle ligament damage and is now a major doubt for the Reds' opening league match against Norwich City on August 14.
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