Liverpool humble Yokohama Marinos in pre-season friendly

Liverpool defeated Yokohama Marino

By Emmanuel Akyereko

(Managing Editor)

English champions Liverpool posted a resounding 3-1 victory over J1 League side Yokohama Marinos in a pre-season friendly at the Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, Japan on Wednesday night.

The Reds gifted a memorable moment to 32-year-old Wataru Endo who received a rousing welcome from fans in his homeland as he replaced skipper Virgil van Dijk who handed over the armband to the Japanese.

The 2024/25 Premier League winners are the second major European side to take on a Japanese side after Barcelona defeated Vissel Kobe 3-1 during the weekend.

Ashai Uneaka scored first for Yokohama early in the second-half. However, Florian Wirtz responded for Liverpool with the former Bayer Leverkusen attacker finishing off a move started by Curtis Jones and involved Mohamed Salah.

Dutch-Ghanaian Jeremie Frimpong delivered a good cross into the box for Trey Nyoni who turned the ball home to make it 2-1.

Rio Ngumoha wrapped it up late on with a strike that showcased just why he is seen as such an exciting talent.