New Delhi: New signing Hugo Ekitike shone on his Premier League debut as Mohamed Salah and Federico Chiesa scored two late goals to help defending champions Liverpool begin their title defence with a thrilling 4-2 win against Bournemouth at Anfield. The season opener was an emotional affair for the Liverpool player and supporters as they paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva before and after the game.
Jota and his brother Silva lost their lives in a tragic car crash in July this year. A minute’s silence was observed for them before the kick-off at Anfield, while the Liverpool supporters also clapped in the 20th minute to honour the former Portuguese forward, who used to wear the no.20 shirt for Liverpool. On a bittersweet evening, Salah once again delivered to help his team secure the first three points of the season.
Liverpool started the game well and seemed to be cruising towards a comfortable victory when they led 2-0 after goals from Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo in the first 50 minutes. Ekitike, who signed for Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt for a huge fee of around 90 million euros, scored on his Premier League debut as he opened the scoring for Arne Slot’s men against Bournemouth.
Ekitike got past Bournemouth’s solid defence to find the back of the net to put Liverpool ahead in the first half. He turned provider after the break as his assist helped Cody Gakpo double the Reds’ lead 4 minutes into the second half. Liverpool looked set for a comfortable victory after securing a two-goal lead, but Bournemouth pulled off a brilliant comeback.
A Hugo goal on his Premier League debut 💫 pic.twitter.com/QbggZsGt7M
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 15, 2025
Antoine Semenyo, who was subjected to racial abuse at Anfield, pulled one back for Bournemouth in the 64th minute and scored another 12 minutes later to help the visitors equalise. Semenyo’s stunning brace left the Liverpool fans in shock as Bournemouth staged an epic comeback to leave the game wide open. However, Salah and Chiesa rescued Liverpool with two late strikes.