Second half
Ekitike had the half’s first effort on goal six minutes in, clipping a low drive towards the corner from Salah’s pass; however, it lacked the power to truly trouble Simon.
A better opening would arrive on 55 as Liverpool sped forward on a counter. Kerkez stood a ball up into the centre from the byline, Ekitike headed down for Gapko and his shot into the ground was tipped over by Simon.
However, a moment later, the No.18 did have his name on the scoresheet. Gravenberch’s shimmy on the edge of the area enabled him room to strike and though the ’keeper managed to block, Gakpo was on hand to stab in the rebound.
But Gakpo was inadvertently to have a hand in Athletic Club’s second equaliser 10 minutes later when Sannadi’s header from a corner took a sizeable deflection off him to beat Mamardashvili.
His influence on the night wasn’t done there, though, and he ensured the Reds regained the advantage when a low shot across goal proved too much for Simon to keep out.
As the game entered its final stages, 17-year-old Will Wright was introduced from the bench having finalised a transfer from Salford City last week. He took the place of Wirtz, who received a standing ovation as he departed the field.
Liverpool had an opportunity to tighten their grip on the contest when Wataru Endo was fouled inside the box by Vivian, but Salah struck the resulting spot-kick over the bar.
Mamardashvili foiled Adu Ares’ curling effort to keep the Reds’ advantage intact, while Simon foiled Wright with a block at the other end.
But a highly satisfying day’s work for Slot and his side concluded in a second victory as attention now turns to Sunday’s FA Community Shield encounter with Crystal Palace at Wembley.
Attendance: 59,774