Reigning English Premier League champions Liverpool FC recovered from a goal down to defeat 2025 MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE side Yokohama F･Marinos 3-1 in the MEIJI YASUDA J.LEAGUE WORLD CHALLENGE 2025 Presented by The Nippon Foundation on Wednesday.
The contest was played at Nissan Stadium in front of 67,032 fans - a new record attendance for a game held by J.League - and provided plenty of excitement for supporters of both clubs.
Liverpool almost went ahead in the ninth minute when Dominik Szoboszlai found Cody Gakpo in space on the left, but after the Dutchman cut inside his curling effort from inside the area struck the far post.
There was then a special scene as the clock struck 20, when everyone in attendance joined in with a moment of applause in remembrance of Liverpool star Diogo Jota, who’s No.20 shirt has been retired after his tragic death at the start of July.
Five minutes before half-time Yokohama F･M went close to opening the scoring, after a superb piece of play from Yan Matheus and Dean David.
First Yan Matheus found David just inside the Liverpool half, before David crisply returned possession to Yan Matheus, who had run into space 30 yards from the Liverpool goal. Yan Matheus then set himself and crossed back to David at the far post, but his header was tipped behind by Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Having made three changes in the 32nd minute Yokohama F･M made another eight at the break, and 10 minutes after the restart they broke the deadlock through Asahi Uenaka.
Ren Kato found Uenaka breaking into the area with a delightful reverse pass, and the striker made no mistake as he slotted across goal with his left foot and into the net off the far post.
Liverpool drew level seven minutes later though, as Curtis Jones won possession on the halfway line and tore forward at pace before playing a one-two with Mohamed Salah and clipping possession on to Florian Wirtz, who swept home from 12 yards out.
The visitors then moved in front in the 68th minute, when Trey Nyoni stabbed a volley into the net at the back post after a sumptuous cross by Jeremie Frimpong.
Rio Ngumoha wrapped up Liverpool’s win with a wonderful solo effort three minutes from time, carrying the ball forward from just inside the Yokohama F-M half and using five of his teammates as decoys before cutting inside and converting clinically after entering the penalty area.
Yokohama F･Marinos vs. Liverpool FC - Game Highlights
