Liverpool score late to defeat Karlsruher in pre-season friendly

• Liverpool played Karlsruher in a pre-season friendly match in Germany
• The hosts Karlsruher went ahead in the second half against a strong Liverpool side
• The Reds made a comeback in the stoppage time thanks to a Diogo Jota brace

Liverpool faced a tough first pre-season match but managed to secure a 4-2 victory against Karlsruher after a second-half comeback, thanks to a Diogo Jota stoppage time brace.

Jurgen Klopp fielded a strong Reds XI for the start of the game, featuring key players such as Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and new signing Luis Diaz. Dominik Szoboszlai also made his unofficial debut after a £60 million signing.

However, notable absentees included Jordan Henderson, whose move to Saudi Pro League club Al Ettifaq is nearing completion following an agreed £15 million transfer.

Despite being up against a second-tier opponent, Liverpool got off to an excellent start as Darwin Nunez scored the opening goal within three minutes, assisted by Salah. However, Karlsruher managed to equalize before half-time when veteran forward Lars Stindl struck a stunning volley from a corner.

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Liverpool players celebrate after Drawin Nunez scored the opener against Karlsruher in a pre-season friendly in Germany. | PHOTO: Sky Sports |

At half-time, Klopp made a complete change in the lineup, providing more players with valuable minutes on the pitch, including the unofficial debut of World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister. The second-half lineup featured several young players mixed with senior team members.

In an unexpected turn of events, Karlsruher took the lead early in the second half with a smart finish from Sebastian Jung. Liverpool responded with Cody Gakpo’s goal, who capitalized on Jota’s header to level the score.

As the match approached its conclusion, Jota became the hero for Liverpool, securing the win with two crucial goals. First, he was set up by Gakpo to find the net from close range, and then Mac Allister provided the assist for Jota’s second goal at the near post.

Despite the early challenge, Liverpool managed to avoid embarrassment and clinched a satisfying victory in their opening pre-season fixture.