Liverpool made a confident start to their pre-season tour with a composed 2-0 victory over Italian side Como in an international club friendly on August 17, 2026. Playing in front of a packed stadium, the Reds controlled large spells of the match and gave their supporters plenty of encouragement ahead of the new season.

Liverpool control the friendly at a canter

From the opening exchanges, Liverpool’s intensity set them apart. The home side pressed high, recycled possession quickly, and pinned Como back inside their own half. The breakthrough came midway through the first half when a well-worked move down the right flank ended with a first-time finish that beat the Como goalkeeper at his near post. Liverpool doubled their lead shortly after the restart, adding a second with a slick counter-attack that sliced through Como’s midfield.

Como, led by a pragmatic tactical setup, remained competitive on the ball for stretches but rarely threatened Liverpool’s goal. Their best chance came late in the second half, when a travelling forward forced a sharp save from the Liverpool backup keeper. However, the Reds’ backline remained organised all evening, ensuring a clean sheet to complement the attacking display.

What stood out

• Wide-forward movement: Liverpool’s wingers constantly swapped positions, making it impossible for Como to track their runs.
• Midfield control: The Reds’ midfield trio dominated the centre of the park, setting the tempo both with and without the ball.
• Pre-season sharpness: Despite it being a friendly, Liverpool’s pressing triggers and passing rhythm looked close to competitive level.

Friendly result, real momentum

Friendly results rarely tell the full story, but Liverpool’s performance against Como offered several positive lessons. The clean sheet will please the defensive staff, while the two goals demonstrated the attacking fluidity that fans have come to expect. For Como, this match against top-class opposition served as a valuable benchmark and left the team better prepared for their own campaign.