Liverpool 2-4 AC Milan: Highlights, man of the match, stats as Florian Wirtz debut overshadowed by Rafael Leao performance

Liverpool were beaten 4-2 by Italian giants AC Milan on Saturday in a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong, with Rafael Leao playing a starring role.

The Serie A side took the lead before the 15-minute mark when Leao carried the ball into the left side of the box before unleashing a fierce strike into the roof of the net.

The Reds did not have to wait long before getting back on level terms, with Dominik Szoboszlai taking up an advanced position on the left of the penalty area, and he composed himself before looping a shot over Mike Maignan into the far side of the goal.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot made a number of changes at half time, including the replacement of both Andrew Robertson and Luca Stephenson in the full-back spots for Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.

Milan restored their lead thanks to more good work from Leao, who carried the ball to the box before squaring to Ruben Loftus-Cheek for a finish shortly after the interval, and the Italians would extend their advantage before the hour mark thanks to a sweeping finish from Noah Okafor.

Cody Gakpo scored a consolation goal late on after latching onto a cross from Ibrahima Konate, but there was still time for the Rossoneri to net a fourth after a poor backpass from Kostas Tsimikas gave Okafor the chance to score his second.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

The most important aspect of Saturday's performance for both teams will be avoiding injuries and building match sharpness, with the result ultimately insignificant.

Liverpool will be pleased that they were able to give minutes to Florian Wirtz, who was central to everything in attack, and he was also vital during buildup.

Milan showed that as long as Leao is on the pitch, they will always pose a threat, and they will hope that their talisman can spearhead a strong 2025-26 campaign.

LIVERPOOL VS. AC MILAN HIGHLIGHTS

13th min: Liverpool 0-1 AC Milan (Rafael Leao)

AC Milan counter-attack down Liverpool's right through Leao, who carries the ball for some distance before reaching the penalty area, and he manages to successfully place his shot into the roof of the net despite being squared up by Virgil van Dijk.

An outstanding goal!

26th min: Liverpool 1-1 AC Milan (Dominik Szoboszlai)

Szoboszlai collects possession near the left corner of the box, and the Hungarian takes a moment to set himself before sweeping the ball into the top-right corner.

A stunning strike from distance!

52nd min: Liverpool 1-2 AC Milan (Ruben Loftus-Cheek)

Leao once again found himself carrying towards the Liverpool box from the left, and after getting the better of Conor Bradley he plays across to teammate Loftus-Cheek, who finishes from a central position into the bottom-left corner.

Milan are back in front!

59th min: Liverpool 1-3 AC Milan (Noah Okafor)

This time Milan's Alexis Saelemaekers brings possession forward at pace down the Reds' left flank, and he picks out Okafor in the box before the striker excellently smashes a shot past goalkeeper Alisson Becker into the right of the net.

A counter-attacking masterclass!

90+3rd min: Liverpool 2-3 AC Milan (Cody Gakpo)

Ibrahima Konate is close to Milan's box on the right, and he floats a cross to the back post where Gakpo arrives to head home into the opposite corner.

Can Liverpool grab an equaliser?

90+4th min: Liverpool 2-4 AC Milan (Noah Okafor)

Tsimikas has possession for Liverpool and tries to play a pass back to goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvil, but his delivery is overhit and goes behind the shot-stopper and allows Okafor to latch onto the ball in front of an empty net.

Liverpool will not grab an equaliser!

MAN OF THE MATCH - RAFAEL LEAO

Liverpool dominated possession but Leao was the most threatening player on the pitch, and his ball carrying ability helped him score Milan's first goal and set up his side's second.

His speed and technical quality were difficult to deal with, even for stalwart Van Dijk, and the Rossoneri's hopes of an improved 2025-26 will likely rest on his shoulders.