Iraola wins Liverpool debut 4-2 as Reds overturn Sunderland deficit
Synopsis
Andoni Iraola's first match as Liverpool head coach had everything — an early goal, a captain stretchered off, a two-goal deficit, and a rousing second-half comeback. The 4-2 win over Sunderland at Nashville's Geodis Park is a pre-season result, but the character shown after going behind tells its own early story about what Iraola's Liverpool might look like.
Key Takeaways
Liverpool defeated Sunderland 4-2 in a pre-season friendly at Geodis Park, Nashville on 27 July 2025 .
The Reds came from 2-1 down, scoring three unanswered second-half goals to seal the win.
Goals came from Kieran Morrison , Dominik Szoboszlai , Federico Chiesa , and Lewis Koumas .
Captain Joe Gomez was substituted off with an injury inside the first 10 minutes .
It was Andoni Iraola 's first match in charge of Liverpool since replacing the previous head coach.
Andoni Iraola began his reign as Liverpool head coach with a comeback victory, as the Reds overturned a 2-1 deficit to beat Sunderland 4-2 in their opening pre-season friendly at Geodis Park, Nashville, on 27 July 2025. The result offered an early glimpse of Iraola's side, even if the performance was shaped as much by adversity as by design.
Early Lead, Early Setback
Liverpool took the lead in the 12th minute through youngster Kieran Morrison, who latched onto a release from Harvey Elliott on the right side of the penalty area, cut inside, and placed a composed left-footed effort into the bottom corner.
The positive start was tempered almost immediately when captain Joe Gomez was forced off with an injury inside the opening 10 minutes. Ifeanyi Ndukwe came on as his replacement, with Kostas Tsimikas inheriting the armband.
Sunderland Take Control
Sunderland responded with purpose and drew level in the 28th minute when Enzo Le Fee drove forward from midfield and unleashed a powerful long-range strike past goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
The Championship side carried that momentum into the second half, moving ahead just four minutes after the restart. Timur Tutierov converted from close range after meeting Tom Proctor's pass inside the box, making it 2-1 to Sunderland.
Liverpool's Second-Half Fightback
Liverpool gradually asserted themselves and levelled in spectacular fashion in the 56th minute. Dominik Szoboszlai controlled a loose ball on his chest outside the area before smashing a superb half-volley into the near corner.
The Reds continued to press, with Lewis Koumas and Calum Scanlon both going close as Sunderland goalkeeper Melker Ellborg was called into important saves. Their persistence paid off when Federico Chiesa put Liverpool ahead, finishing confidently from a tight angle at the edge of the six-yard box after Calvin Ramsay's through ball split the defence.
Koumas Seals the Win
Koumas completed the comeback in the 86th minute, collecting a second assist from Szoboszlai before cutting inside defender Leo Hjelde and drilling a composed finish from 10 yards to confirm a 4-2 scoreline.
Notably, Liverpool's second-half display — in which they scored three unanswered goals after trailing — will offer Iraola early data points on his squad's character and depth. With the pre-season campaign only beginning, further tests lie ahead before competitive fixtures commence.
Point of View
But Iraola's first match in charge surfaces two early questions worth tracking. First, the Gomez injury — Liverpool's defensive depth has been a recurring concern, and losing a captain inside 10 minutes of the very first outing is not the start anyone wanted. Second, the comeback itself: going 2-1 down to a Championship side before finding three goals suggests both attacking fluency and defensive vulnerability. Iraola's pressing-intensive style demands fitness and cohesion that only a full pre-season can build. The scoreline flatters; the process will matter more as July turns to August.
NationPress
26 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of Liverpool's first pre-season game under Iraola?
Liverpool beat Sunderland 4-2 in a pre-season friendly at Geodis Park in Nashville on 27 July 2025. The Reds came from 2-1 down to score three second-half goals and secure the win.
Who scored for Liverpool against Sunderland?
Liverpool's goals came from Kieran Morrison, Dominik Szoboszlai, Federico Chiesa, and Lewis Koumas. Szoboszlai also contributed two assists in the second half.
Was Joe Gomez seriously injured in the Liverpool pre-season match?
Joe Gomez was substituted off inside the first 10 minutes of the match with what appeared to be an injury. No further details on its severity were confirmed in the immediate aftermath of the game.
Who is Andoni Iraola and why is he now Liverpool's head coach?
Andoni Iraola is a Spanish coach who previously managed Bournemouth in the Premier League, earning widespread praise for his pressing-based style. He was appointed Liverpool head coach ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Where was Liverpool's pre-season friendly against Sunderland played?
The match was played at Geodis Park in Nashville, United States, as part of Liverpool's pre-season tour on 27 July 2025.
