Liverpool wrapped up their tour of Dubai with a well-earned 4-1 win over AC Milan on Friday.
Mohamed Salah struck the opening goal for the Reds within the first quarter of hour with an emphatic finish as Liverpool started the game strongly. However, Milan responded well to going behind and levelled midway through the first half as Alexis Saelemaekers slotted home.
It didn't take Jurgen Klopp's side long to go back in front as Thiago fired a 20-yard effort into the back of the net, before Darwin Nunez stole the show on his return to action. The Uruguayan netted a late brace to seal a comfortable win for the Reds as they ended their tour with a positive performance and victory.
As with all of the matches in the Dubai tournament, penalties were taken at the end of the game to determine who gets an extra bonus point. And it was Milan who came out on top with Pierre Kalulu netting the winner in a 4-3 shootout victory for the Serie A side.
Here are five talking points from the match.
Nunez's sharp cameo
Following the disappointing World Cup campaign with Uruguay, Nunez returned to action with the Reds as he tries to pick up where he left off before the break. The 22-year-old was beginning to find some form before the World Cup began, scoring twice in their final Premier League game against Southampton.
After Uruguay's group stage exit, Nunez was able to return sooner than maybe first expected and he came on as a second-half substitute in the win over Milan. The former Benfica man replaced Roberto Firmino in the No.9 berth on 60 minutes and looked sharp during his cameo on the pitch.
Nunez made an instant impact within moments of coming on as he tried to set-up his teammate but slipped in the process. He managed to get up and take a shot himself but it was saved by the 'keeper. Then in the 76th minute, Nunez found some space before striking a powerful effort at Antonio Mirante.
But Nunez grabbed his first goal with nine minutes to go as he ran through on goal before tucking the ball into the back of the net, giving Mirante little chance. It took the Uruguayan a matter of moments before he netted his second of the game, tapping home from close range after a superb assist from Ben Doak.
Salah back on the scoresheet
Having missed a penalty in the Reds' defeat against Lyon last Sunday, many Liverpool fans were fearing Salah's confidence could be shot going into the second-half of the season. However, the Egyptian international found the back of the net in the Reds' friendly with Milan with a composed finish inside the box.
A surging run from Joel Matip saw the centre-back find his way into the Milan half, and he played a one-two with Roberto Firmino before releasing Salah. The 30-year-old found himself one-v-one with the goalkeeper but kept his composure and calmly passed the ball into the back of the net.
Salah looked sharp throughout the first-half and almost added his second when he curled the ball towards the corner from the edge of the area. But his effort was well saved by Mirante.
Defensive lapse
Liverpool have a habit of conceding soft goals this season and that theme continued against the Serie A champions when Milan equalised midway through the first-half. A long diagonal ball found Salemaekers, who jinked inside onto his favoured left boot and drove into the box. No Liverpool defender fancied challenging the winger as he made his way into a shooting position, before nicely sliding the ball into the corner.
Klopp was far from happy with his side's defending for the goal as he cut an animated figure in the stands alongside his assistant Pep Ljinders. Milan created a couple of chances in the second period, and almost levelled when a long-range strike crashed off the bar.
Moment of Thiago quality
Having been snubbed from the Spain squad for the World Cup, Thiago showed Luis Enrique what he is all about with an emphatic finish from around 20 yards out. A corner was headed out to the former Real Madrid man on the edge of the area, and he took a touch before firing the ball beyond Mirante.
It was a terrific finish from Thiago, who has been training with the rest of his Liverpool teammates while the World Cup has been going on in Qatar. Spain could've done with his quality and experience in midfield given that he would've been one of the oldest members in the squad. The 31-year-old kept the game ticking in the middle of the park and helped Liverpool control the game throughout.
Youngsters involved
With Jordan Henderson, Virgil van Djik Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson and Fabinho all still unavailable after their World Cup exploits, Klopp was able to give some more youngsters valuable first-team minutes. Stefan Bajcetic and Caoimhin Kelleher both started the game, while others came on in the second-half.
Bobby Clark was someone who impressed when he got his chance, with the Scotsman grabbing an assist to cap off an excellent cameo. He played a delightful pass through to Nunez, who scored his first of the game. Frauendorf, Quansah, Corness and Doak also came on, with the latter setting up Nunez's second strike.
