Leeds United fight back from 2-0 down to beat Liverpool 4-2 in Chicago friendly
Goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin (2), Sean Longstaff and Brenden Aaronson overturned first-half strikes from Luke Chambers and Florian Wirtz as Leeds staged a stunning second-half comeback against Liverpool at Soldier Field, with Aaronson's goal and assist earning him the player of the match award.
Wirtz and Chambers give Liverpool a two-goal cushion
Liverpool made the brighter start in Chicago, with academy defender Luke Chambers opening the scoring in the 7th minute, finishing off a pass from Milos Kerkez. New signing Florian Wirtz doubled the lead just before the break, converting a Jeremie Frimpong assist, and the sides went in at half-time with Liverpool 2-0 up.
Wholesale changes spark a Leeds revival
Both sides made sweeping half-time substitutions, as is typical in pre-season friendlies, and Leeds' fresh legs made an immediate difference. Brenden Aaronson pulled a goal back in the 60th minute, finishing from an Ethan Ampadu pass to make it 2-1.
Calvert-Lewin's brace completes the turnaround
Dominic Calvert-Lewin leveled it at 2-2 in the 71st minute, then Sean Longstaff — teed up by Aaronson — put Leeds ahead for the first time in the 73rd. Calvert-Lewin headed in his second of the afternoon in the 85th minute, assisted by Sebastiaan Bornauw, to complete a 4-2 comeback win. Aaronson, involved in three of Leeds' four goals, was named player of the match. Liverpool had more of the ball (57% possession) but Leeds were the sharper side in front of goal, out-shooting the Reds 15-9.
What's next
Liverpool, under new head coach Andoni Iraola, continue their preparations for the Premier League opener. Leeds head into their second straight season back in the top flight aiming to build on last term's 14th-place finish.
Photo: Leeds United. Sources: Sofascore, Soldier Field, wire reports, August 2026.