Liverpool came from behind to defeat Yokohama F. Marinos 3-1 in a poignant international friendly on July 31, marking the Premier League champions’ first appearance in Japan in 20 years.
The Nissan Stadium in Yokohama was a sea of red, as Liverpool supporters outnumbered the home fans among the 67,032 in attendance. The occasion carried extra significance, taking place in the hometown of Japan captain and Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo, and marked the club’s first visit since the 2005 FIFA Club World Cup.
Outside the stadium, fans gathered at a tribute area to write farewell messages to Diogo Jota, the Liverpool forward who tragically died alongside his younger brother in a car accident in Spain on July 3. A moving pre-match tribute was led by club legend Ian Rush, with the crowd uniting in a chant to honor the late Portuguese star.
The match began with Yokohama showing early flashes of danger. Jun Amano tested Liverpool with a speculative volley and a clever nutmeg on Ryan Gravenberch, while Cody Gakpo rattled the post in the 9th minute. A stadium-wide applause in the 20th minute paid tribute to Jota’s shirt number.
Liverpool debutant Hugo Ekitike saw a stylish backheel saved, but the best first-half chance fell to the hosts. Despite being one of only two clubs—along with Kashima Antlers—never to be relegated since the J.League’s inception, Yokohama are currently bottom of the table in 18th. A swift counter in the 40th minute saw Yan Matheus chip a ball to Dean David, whose diving header was brilliantly stopped by Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Both managers made sweeping changes in the second half. Hideo Oshima introduced Sandy Walsh, returning to the field for Yokohama after a two-month absence, alongside Asahi Uenaka, Riku Yamane, and Kota Watanabe, while Arne Slot sent on Curtis Jones and Darwin Núñez.
Early in the half, both Uenaka and Núñez missed chances, but it was the former who struck first, finishing off the post in the 55th minute from a precise Yamane through ball.
Liverpool responded immediately after Endo replaced Virgil van Dijk and donned the captain’s armband in the 60th minute. Two minutes later, Jones launched a counterattack and flicked on Mohamed Salah’s pass to set up new signing Florian Wirtz for the equalizer.
“I’m really happy to score my first goal,” said Wirtz, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen this summer. “It was a great win and an amazing atmosphere—thank you to the fans.”
Trey Nyoni put Liverpool ahead in the 68th minute with a stretched finish from Jeremie Frimpong’s cross, while Endo nearly scored with a header in the 77th minute, drawing chants of his name from the Japanese supporters.
The night ended with a flourish as 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha produced a stunning solo run from midfield to score in the 87th minute, sealing a 3-1 victory and showcasing his potential following Luis Díaz’s departure to Bayern Munich.
“Coming back to my hometown as a Liverpool player was an incredibly proud moment,” Endo told Kyodo News. “I’m grateful for the support here, especially for the moving tribute to Jota.”
“I want to help Liverpool win the Premier League again, and as a team, we’re aiming for the Champions League and every trophy available. After a full season with the manager, I believe this year will be different. Personally, I want to have a strong campaign and arrive at the World Cup in peak form.”