The Liverpool FC vs Athletic Bilbao Stats provide an interesting comparison between two historic European clubs. Athletic Bilbao, officially known as Athletic Club, have a proud tradition built around developing and fielding Basque players, while Liverpool are one of England’s most successful clubs and regular contenders in European competition.
The two sides have met only a handful of times in recent history, with their meetings generally coming in friendly matches rather than competitive European fixtures. Their most recent encounters took place at Anfield on August 4, 2025, when Liverpool won both games of a unique double-header.
Liverpool vs Athletic Bilbao Head-to-Head Stats
Liverpool have generally had the better record in their meetings with Athletic Club. One recent head-to-head database records four meetings, with Liverpool winning three and one ending in a draw, while Athletic Club have yet to record a victory in those listed encounters.
UEFA’s historical head-to-head record also reflects the limited competitive history between the clubs. In UEFA competition, the teams have played one recorded tie, with Liverpool holding one victory and the other match ending in a draw.
The more recent matches have been especially productive in front of goal. Liverpool scored seven goals across their two August 2025 friendlies, conceding three.
Most Recent Liverpool vs Athletic Bilbao Results
The two teams played twice on August 4, 2025, with both matches taking place at Anfield.
| Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| August 4, 2025 | Friendly | Liverpool 4-1 Athletic Club |
| August 4, 2025 | Friendly | Liverpool 3-2 Athletic Club |
| August 8, 2021 | Friendly | Liverpool 1-1 Athletic Club |
The 2025 double-header demonstrated Liverpool’s attacking strength. Athletic Club competed well in the second match but could not prevent Liverpool from completing two victories on the same day. Athletic Club’s official match reports confirm both results.
Liverpool 3-2 Athletic Bilbao: Match Stats
The second match of the 2025 double-header was particularly entertaining. Liverpool won 3-2, with Mohamed Salah opening the scoring before Oihan Sancet equalised for Athletic Club.
Cody Gakpo then became the decisive player. He scored twice for Liverpool, although his name also appeared on the scoresheet for an own goal that temporarily brought Athletic Club level.
The statistical numbers underline Liverpool’s control:
- Possession: Liverpool 67%, Athletic Club 33%
- Total shots: Liverpool 17, Athletic Club 8
- Shots on target: Liverpool 10, Athletic Club 3
- Touches in opposition box: Liverpool 30, Athletic Club 19
These figures show that Liverpool created considerably more attacking pressure. FotMob’s match data recorded Liverpool with 17 shots compared with eight for Athletic Club, while the Reds also produced 10 shots on target.
Liverpool 4-1 Athletic Bilbao: Match Stats
Earlier on the same day, Liverpool produced an even more convincing 4-1 victory.
Rio Ngumoha scored after just two minutes, while Darwin Núñez made it 2-0 only three minutes later. Ben Doak added another before half-time, and Harvey Elliott scored Liverpool’s fourth after the break. Gorka Guruzeta scored Athletic Club’s consolation goal in the 76th minute.
The match statistics again favoured Liverpool:
- Possession: Liverpool 69%, Athletic Club 31%
- Total shots: Liverpool 7, Athletic Club 9
- Shots on target: Liverpool 1, Athletic Club 2
- Corners: Liverpool 4, Athletic Club 4
- Goalkeeper saves: Liverpool 1, Athletic Club 2
Interestingly, Athletic Club attempted more shots despite losing 4-1. This highlights an important point when analysing football statistics: possession and shot totals do not always determine the score. Liverpool were considerably more efficient with their opportunities in this particular match.
Liverpool’s Attacking Performance
Liverpool’s biggest advantage in these meetings was their efficiency in the final third. Across the two 2025 matches, they scored seven times.
The second game demonstrated Liverpool’s ability to dominate possession and create high-quality chances, while the first showed how quickly the Reds could punish defensive mistakes.
Cody Gakpo was particularly influential in the 3-2 victory, scoring twice. Mohamed Salah also contributed with an early goal. In the 4-1 match, Ngumoha, Núñez, Doak and Elliott all found the net.
Athletic Bilbao’s Performance
Athletic Club have shown that they can compete with Liverpool, despite the difference in financial resources and league environments. Their 3-2 defeat demonstrated their attacking threat, with Sancet scoring and the team remaining competitive after falling behind.
The 4-1 defeat, however, exposed Liverpool’s superior finishing and ability to exploit spaces. Athletic Club’s official report described Liverpool as particularly powerful and fast during the opening period.
Athletic’s recent form also provides useful context. Their 2026 results include victories over Celta Vigo but defeats against Barcelona and Sevilla, illustrating the competitive nature of their domestic schedule.
Historical Meetings Between the Clubs
Liverpool and Athletic Club have not developed the kind of extensive competitive rivalry associated with many European clubs. Their meetings have largely been friendlies, although there is also historical European competition between them.
The 2021 friendly ended 1-1 at Anfield. Diogo Jota gave Liverpool the lead in the first half before Alex Berenguer equalised for Athletic Club. The match statistics showed Liverpool making three goalkeeper saves and Athletic Club making four.
That result contrasts with Liverpool’s two victories in 2025 and shows how the balance between the sides has shifted in recent meetings.
Key Players and Goal Scorers
Several players have played important roles in recent Liverpool vs Athletic Club matches.
Cody Gakpo was the standout scorer in the 2025 3-2 victory, registering two goals. Mohamed Salah also scored, while Oihan Sancet was Athletic Club’s scorer in that match.
In the 4-1 encounter, Liverpool’s goals came from Rio Ngumoha, Darwin Núñez, Ben Doak and Harvey Elliott, with Athletic goalkeeper Álex Padilla also credited with an own goal. Guruzeta scored Athletic’s only goal.
What the Statistics Tell Us
The overall statistics point toward Liverpool having the stronger recent record.
Liverpool have:
- Won the latest two meetings.
- Scored seven goals in those two matches.
- Produced significantly higher possession in the 2025 meetings.
- Created more shots on target in the 3-2 match.
- Demonstrated greater attacking efficiency.
Athletic Club, meanwhile, have shown they can score against Liverpool and create chances, particularly when they are able to transition quickly.
It is also important to remember that the recent meetings were friendly matches, so the statistics should not be treated as a direct prediction of how the teams would perform in a competitive fixture.
Conclusion
The Liverpool FC vs Athletic Bilbao stats favour Liverpool, particularly when recent meetings are considered. The Reds won both games of their August 2025 Anfield double-header, scoring seven goals and conceding three.
The 3-2 victory was characterised by Liverpool’s superior possession, shooting and attacking pressure, while the 4-1 win highlighted their efficiency in front of goal. Athletic Club nevertheless demonstrated enough attacking quality to score in both matches.
Overall, the head-to-head record, recent results and attacking statistics suggest that Liverpool have enjoyed the upper hand. However, Athletic Club remain a technically strong and competitive Spanish side, meaning future meetings could provide a fascinating tactical battle between two clubs with very different footballing traditions.