Diogo Jota scored two stoppage-time goals to give Liverpool a 4-2 victory over German second-tier side Karlsruher SC in their opening game of pre-season in Germany on Wednesday.
Jota came off the bench in the second half to produce one piece of delightful footwork and two clinical finishes in the second and third minutes of extra time to give Jurgen Klopp’s side victory at Karlsruher’s BBBank Wildpark stadium after they had trailed early in the second half.
Darwin Núñez, who was replaced by Jota, gave Karlsruher the lead in just the third minute after some clever interplay with Mohamed Salah.
But the Bundesliga side responded with goals either side of half-time from Lars Stindl and Sebastian Jung.
Klopp made some changes at the midway point, including introducing summer signing Alexis Mac Allister in place of fellow midfield arrival Dominik Szoboszlai.
Then Cody Gakpo came off the bench to convert a neat turn and finish in the center of the box after a cushioned header from Jota to bring Liverpool at par in the 69th minute.
Jota then took over in stoppage time completely to give Liverpool a winning start to preparations for a season in which they will be targeting a return to the Champions League.
Karlsruher vs Liverpool result
1st Half | 2nd half | FT | Goalscorer(s) | |
Karlsruher | 1 | 1 | 2 | Stindl, Jung |
Liverpool | 1 | 3 | 4 | Nunez, Gakpo, Jota (2) |