Liverpool’s Two Painful Comebacks: From 2–0 Up to 2–4 and 2–3 Down

There is something worrying about Liverpool’s recent pre-season results.

In two matches, the Reds found themselves in a very comfortable position. In both games, they were leading 2–0. And in both games, they somehow ended up losing.

First, Leeds United came from two goals down to beat Liverpool 4–2 in Chicago.

Then, just one week later, Monaco repeated the same story at Anfield, coming from 2–0 down to win 3–2.

For Liverpool fans, it is not just about losing two friendly matches. It is about how the team lost them.

First, Leeds Turned the Game Around

Liverpool faced Leeds United on August 2 during their pre-season tour of the United States.

The Reds started the match very well. Luke Chambers opened the scoring before Florian Wirtz added a second goal. Liverpool went into half-time with a 2–0 lead and appeared to be in complete control.

But football can change very quickly.

Leeds came out for the second half with much more energy. Liverpool struggled to maintain the same level they had shown before the break.

Brenden Aaronson pulled one goal back for Leeds. Dominic Calvert-Lewin then scored twice, turning the game completely around. Sean Longstaff added another goal as Leeds finished the match as 4–2 winners.

Liverpool had gone from celebrating a 2–0 advantage to watching the opposition celebrate four goals.

Then Monaco Did It Again

A week later, Liverpool were back at Anfield for their first home game under new manager Andoni Iraola.

Once again, everything looked good at the beginning.

Alexander Isak put Liverpool ahead, while Florian Wirtz helped the Reds extend their advantage to 2–0.

For Liverpool supporters, it may have felt like the team had learned from the Leeds defeat.

Unfortunately, the second half told a different story.

Monaco began to put Liverpool under pressure. Golovin scored from the penalty spot before half-time, giving the visitors hope.

In the second half, Mika Biereth equalised.

Then, with only a few minutes left, Paris Brunner scored a late header to complete Monaco’s comeback.

Liverpool had lost again — this time 3–2.

Why Should Liverpool Fans Be Worried?

Pre-season matches are not the same as competitive Premier League games. Managers use them to test players, try different tactics and give younger footballers opportunities.

So, Liverpool fans should not panic just yet.

However, losing two matches after leading 2–0 in such a short period is something the club cannot simply ignore.

The biggest problem appears to be Liverpool’s inability to maintain the same intensity for the whole match.

New manager Andoni Iraola admitted after the Monaco defeat that Liverpool still have work to do. He was particularly concerned about the team’s inability to maintain a high level throughout the 90 minutes.

In simple terms, Liverpool have shown that they can start games strongly.

The bigger question is: Can they finish games strongly too?

It Is Not Only About the Defence

It would be easy to blame the defenders, but the problem is bigger than that.

When a team is leading 2–0, everyone has a responsibility to protect the advantage.

The midfield must continue working.

The attackers must continue putting pressure on the opposition.

The defenders must remain focused.

And the manager must make the right changes at the right time.

Against both Leeds and Monaco, Liverpool appeared to lose control after making changes and as the opposition became stronger.

That is something Iraola will need to fix before the competitive season begins.

There Is Still Time to Improve

The good news for Liverpool is that these defeats happened during pre-season.

There are still lessons to learn, players to get fit and tactical changes to make before the Premier League begins.

There were also positive signs.

Against Monaco, Liverpool showed in the first half that they can play exciting attacking football. New signing Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz both made an impact, while some of the younger players also showed promise.

The problem is making sure those good moments last for the entire match.

Two Matches, One Big Warning

Liverpool have now received the same warning twice.

Against Leeds:

Liverpool 2–0 → Leeds 4–2

Against Monaco:

Liverpool 2–0 → Monaco 3–2

Two different opponents. Two different stadiums. Two different matches.

But the same problem.

Liverpool started well, took control and then allowed their opponents back into the game.

That does not mean the new Liverpool team will have a bad season. It is still pre-season, and there is plenty of time to improve.

But it does mean Iraola and his players have something important to fix.

Because when the Premier League starts, giving away a 2–0 lead may not simply mean another pre-season defeat.

It could mean three points lost.

And Liverpool cannot afford too many of those.