Liverpool began their Premier League title defence with a 4–2 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield on 15 August. New signing Hugo Ekitike opened the scoring in the 37th minute and set up Cody Gakpo four minutes after the break. Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo replied with a brace on 64 and 76 minutes, but late strikes from substitute Federico Chiesa on 88 minutes and Mohamed Salah in stoppage time restored the champions’ advantage. The match was played against an emotional backdrop as the club and supporters paid tribute to forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash along with his brother André Silva on 3 July. A minute’s silence was observed, mosaics bearing the brothers’ initials were displayed and Liverpool confirmed Jota’s No. 20 shirt has been retired, with a “Forever 20” emblem to be worn this season. Salah, who scored the final goal, was visibly moved as the crowd sang Jota’s chant after the final whistle. Manager Arne Slot said the squad had drawn strength from the collective remembrance, while substitute Wataru Endo dedicated the win to Jota. The result gives Liverpool an early three points in a campaign that promises to be shaped as much by sporting ambitions as by the club’s ongoing commemoration of one of its former stars.