Liverpool kicked off their 2025/26 pre-season campaign with a poignant 3-1 friendly victory over Preston North End at Deepdale on Sunday, July 13, 2025. The match was Liverpool’s first outing since the tragic passing of striker Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident just 10 days earlier, casting a solemn tone over the fixture that combined memorial tributes with a glimpse of the club’s evolving squad.
Arne Slot’s side had not played since sealing the Premier League title against Crystal Palace at the end of May, and this friendly marked an emotional return to action less than five weeks before their Premier League opener at Anfield against Bournemouth on August 15. Liverpool’s pre-season schedule is already busy, with upcoming matches against AC Milan and Yokohama Marinos in Asia, a clash with Athletic Club, and the Community Shield encounter against Crystal Palace.
The atmosphere at Deepdale was charged with reverence and remembrance. The stadium was adorned with red No. 20 shirts, a number famously worn by Jota, and fans brought commemorative flags to honor both Jota and Silva. Before kick-off, Claudia Rose Maguire delivered a deeply moving rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” Liverpool’s anthem that carried even more weight given the circumstances. A minute’s silence was observed, and a wreath was laid near the away supporters by Preston captain Ben Whiteman. Both teams wore black armbands, and digital tributes were displayed on screens and pitchside LEDs, ensuring the memory of the two Portuguese footballers was deeply felt throughout the match.
In a historic and heartfelt gesture, Liverpool confirmed earlier in the week that Jota’s number 20 jersey would be retired, a first in the club’s history. Michael Edwards, FSG CEO of Football, stated, “By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal — and therefore never to be forgotten. Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore — with honour, distinction and affection — the number 20. As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20.” The decision was made in close consultation with Jota’s wife, Rute, and his family, reflecting the profound impact he had on the club and its supporters.
On the pitch, Liverpool’s squad was put through a thorough assessment by Slot, with 22 players featuring throughout the afternoon. Notably absent was new British record signing Florian Wirtz, who had yet to make his debut. However, other exciting summer additions such as Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Armin Pecsi, and Freddie Woodman were involved, giving fans a first look at the fresh faces set to bolster the squad. Stefan Bajcetic was sidelined due to injury, while Harvey Elliott and Tyler Morton were given additional rest following their England U21 international duties.
Preston, hosting the match at Deepdale, entered the game having endured a difficult 2024-25 EFL Championship campaign, narrowly avoiding relegation with just 10 wins from 46 matches. Manager Paul Heckingbottom fielded a blend of first-team players and promising academy talents, likely deploying a 3-5-2 formation. The home side’s lineup featured goalkeeper Daniel Iversen, defenders Odeluga Offiah, Liam Lindsay, and Andrew Hughes, with midfielders Theo Carroll, Alistair McCann, and Clayton Lescott providing the engine. Up front, Milutin Osmajic and Jeppe Okkels aimed to challenge Liverpool’s defense.
The game itself was competitive but respectful, with Liverpool asserting control and ultimately securing a 3-1 victory. Cody Gakpo restored Liverpool’s two-goal advantage in the 88th minute after Preston’s Liam Lindsay had pulled one back with a header from a corner in the 83rd minute. There was a tense moment in the 78th minute when Preston’s Doak went down in the area, but referee Darren England dismissed the penalty claims amid audible protests from the crowd. Liverpool’s attacking efforts were relentless, with multiple shots blocked in a frantic scramble around the 76th minute, demonstrating Preston’s resilient defending despite the scoreline.
The match was broadcast live on ITV1 in the UK, with coverage beginning at 2:40 PM BST, and was also available on LFCTV, ITVX, and streaming platforms such as All Red Video. International viewers could watch on various channels including STV in Scotland, UTV in Northern Ireland, Sport TV1 in Portugal, Sportdigital FUSSBALL HD in Germany, and Astro Football HD in Malaysia. The game kicked off at 3:00 PM local time (BST), drawing a crowd of 22,189 fans at Deepdale who witnessed a memorable and emotional event.
Liverpool’s lineup reflected a blend of experience and youth, with Giorgi Mamardashvili starting in goal, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez providing width in defense alongside stalwart Virgil van Dijk and Nallo. In midfield, seasoned campaigner Wataru Endo partnered rising star James McConnell, while the creative trio of Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz (expected to debut soon), and Cody Gakpo supported forward Chiesa. The Reds’ tactical approach under Slot showed promise, with an eye on sharpening their squad for the challenges ahead.
The pre-season friendly served as a poignant reminder of football’s power to unite and heal. The tributes paid to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva underscored the deep bonds within the football community, while Liverpool’s performance demonstrated their readiness to defend their Premier League crown. As the club looks ahead to a packed schedule, including high-profile fixtures across Asia and domestic competitions, the memory of Jota will undoubtedly inspire the team and supporters alike.
With the new season looming, Liverpool’s journey begins not just with a trophy to defend but with a commitment to honor one of their own. The retirement of the number 20 jersey ensures that Diogo Jota’s legacy will remain an eternal part of Anfield’s fabric, a symbol of affection and respect that transcends the game itself.
