On a day heavy with emotion and remembrance, Liverpool began their 2025 pre-season campaign with a poignant 3-1 victory over Preston North End at Deepdale on Sunday, July 13. This match was the Reds’ first outing since the tragic deaths of forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva earlier this month, casting a profound shadow over the fixture and transforming it into a heartfelt tribute to the two footballers.
The build-up to the game was marked by numerous tributes that underscored the deep respect and affection felt across the football world. Both teams wore black armbands in memory of Jota and Silva, while Preston produced a commemorative 16-page matchday programme featuring written tributes to the brothers, freely distributed to those attending. The pre-match ceremonies began at 2:50pm with Claudia Rose Maguire, wife of former Preston player Sean, delivering a stirring rendition of Elvis Presley’s "Can’t Help Falling In Love," setting a reflective tone. This was followed by Liverpool’s anthem "You’ll Never Walk Alone," sung with tender power, as Preston captain Ben Whiteman laid a wreath in front of the away supporters in the Bill Shankly Kop. A minute’s silence ensued, accompanied by digital tributes displayed on the big screen and pitchside LEDs, uniting players, staff, and fans in solemn respect.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot, speaking in the aftermath of the tragedy, emphasized the importance of authenticity in coping with grief. "If we want to laugh, we laugh; if we want to cry, we’re going to cry," he told Liverpool TV. "If they want to train they can train, if they don’t want to train they can not train. But be yourself, don’t think you have to be different than your emotions tell you. We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go." Slot’s words reflected the club’s collective determination to honor Jota’s memory while navigating the difficult emotional terrain that lay ahead.
The match itself unfolded with a sense of subdued intensity befitting the occasion. Liverpool’s starting lineup featured a blend of youth and experience, with notable absences including Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, Alexis Mac Allister, and new signing Florian Wirtz, who were either resting or still regaining fitness after international duties. The Reds’ squad included promising young talents like Rio Ngumoha, who impressed with his confident runs and sharp interplay, and Giorgi Mamardashvili, who made his first appearance in goal for Liverpool during the first half.
Preston, under Paul Heckingbottom, approached the game with respect and dignity, providing a fitting stage for the occasion. Their players and fans embraced the tribute atmosphere, joining in vocal renditions of Jota’s song and Liverpool’s anthem, creating a moving communal experience between the clubs.
The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute, a goal that seemed to lift Liverpool’s spirits. Ngumoha’s skillful dribble past a defender set up Federico Chiesa, who delivered a fizzing cross that took a deflection into the path of Conor Bradley. The young Northern Irish defender tapped the ball home, marking a memorable moment in his Liverpool career and signaling his potential to fill the void left by departing players like Trent Alexander-Arnold.
As the game progressed, Liverpool’s attacking intent grew, with Kostas Tsimikas and Dominik Szoboszlai combining well on the left flank, though Preston’s defense remained resolute. Preston’s best chance came late in the first half when McCann’s cross found Osmajic, but the striker failed to convert, sending the ball wide. Mamardashvili’s solid goalkeeping kept Liverpool ahead going into halftime.
The second half saw a flurry of substitutions, with eleven changes introducing fresh legs and giving debuts to summer signings Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong. Freddie Woodman, recently acquired from Preston, took over in goal, symbolizing the close ties between the clubs. Liverpool’s new full-backs impressed with their energy and attacking runs, adding dynamism down the flanks.
Darwin Núñez doubled Liverpool’s lead in the 55th minute, capitalizing on a back pass error by Preston’s Storey. The Uruguayan forward rounded the goalkeeper and slotted the ball into an empty net, celebrating with Jota’s iconic shark chop and remote control gestures, a touching homage to his late teammate. The goal underscored Liverpool’s resolve to channel their grief into performance on the pitch.
Cody Gakpo sealed the victory with a third goal, sliding the ball home after Núñez’s selfless pass through his legs. Gakpo celebrated by replicating Jota’s shark celebration and signaling the number 20 with his fingers, a symbolic gesture that resonated deeply with the Liverpool faithful. The away end was adorned with a large banner paying tribute to Jota, while the players and coaching staff joined fans in a seven-minute applause at full-time, embracing the communal spirit of remembrance.
Throughout the match, the atmosphere was intensely emotional. Liverpool fans led heartfelt chants for Jota, which echoed around Deepdale and were warmly supported by Preston supporters, who were widely praised for their respectful conduct. Mohamed Salah, one of the senior players present, was visibly moved, highlighting the profound impact Jota had on his teammates both on and off the pitch.
The tragic circumstances of Jota’s and Silva’s deaths, following a car accident in Spain on July 3, cast a long shadow over the football community. The brothers were en route to catch a ferry to England after Jota was advised against flying. The Guardia Civil reported that their Lamborghini left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle. Their funeral in Gondomar on July 5 saw a large Liverpool delegation in attendance, including manager Arne Slot, who has emerged as a figure of leadership and compassion during this difficult period.
In the days following the tragedy, Liverpool announced the retirement of Jota’s No. 20 shirt across all levels of the club, including the men’s, women’s, and academy teams, after consultation with his wife Rute and family. This unprecedented gesture reflects the profound personal and professional impact Jota had on the club, which he served with distinction, scoring 65 goals in 182 appearances and playing a key role in Liverpool’s recent Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup successes.
Looking ahead, Liverpool face a challenging season colored by the loss of a beloved teammate. Yet, as Slot emphasized, the best way to honor Jota is to be authentic and resilient, embodying the qualities he displayed throughout his career. The club’s ambition to defend their Premier League title remains undiminished, fueled by a desire to pay tribute through success on the pitch.
The Preston friendly was a powerful reminder of football’s ability to unite and heal. It showcased not only Liverpool’s emerging talents and new signings but also the strength of a community coming together in grief and hope. With upcoming pre-season matches against AC Milan, Yokohama F. Marinos, and Athletic Club, and the new season opener against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield, Liverpool will carry Jota’s memory with them every step of the way.
