Anfield, 15 August 2025 – Anfield hosted an electrifying night as the 2025/2026 Premier League season kicked off, with reigning champions Liverpool defeating AFC Bournemouth 4-2 in a thrilling encounter full of notable moments.
Match Progress
Hugo Ekitiké opened the scoring for Liverpool in the 37th minute, assisted by a precise pass from Alex Mac Allister, before Cody Gakpo extended the lead in the 49th minute. Early in the second half, Antoine Semenyo turned the game around for Bournemouth with two consecutive goals in the 64th and 76th minutes, leveling the score at 2-2.
As the match neared its conclusion, substitute Federico Chiesa netted a brilliant goal in the 88th minute after capitalizing on a rebound from Bournemouth’s goalkeeper. Mohamed Salah then sealed the victory with a stoppage-time goal, securing a heartfelt win for Liverpool on an emotional night for the club.
Key Moments and Highlights
The game was briefly halted after Semenyo complained of a racist remark from the crowd, adding a sensitive dimension to the match.
Tributes were paid to players Diogo Jota and Andre Silva before kickoff, marking the first competitive match at Anfield since their passing.
Experts described Salah and Chiesa’s goals as "brilliant finishes" and "unbelievable," while praising Semenyo’s performance, who shone despite his team’s defeat.
Performance and Statistics
Liverpool: Scored four goals from four different scorers (Ekitiké, Gakpo, Chiesa, Salah) with three assists.
AFC Bournemouth: Semenyo showcased his attacking prowess with two superb goals, while Brooks and Traoré provided key assists.
Match Conclusion
The match concluded with a 4-2 victory for Liverpool, affirming their strength as last season’s champions, while Bournemouth delivered a brave performance that kept them close to an equalizer on several occasions. This thrilling opener suggests that the 2025/2026 Premier League season promises excitement and surprises ahead.