Liverpool surrendered a two-goal lead as Leeds fought back to claim a dramatic 4-2 win in Chicago and end Andoni Iraola’s perfect pre-season record.
The Reds looked in complete control at the break thanks to goals from Luke Chambers and Florian Wirtz, but Daniel Farke’s changes transformed Leeds after half-time.
Brenden Aaronson sparked the comeback before Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck twice either side of Sean Longstaff’s finish to complete an impressive turnaround.
Liverpool made a fast start and were rewarded after just seven minutes. Milos Kerkez’s corner caused problems in the Leeds area and Chambers was on hand to bundle home from close range for the opener.
Leeds responded well and twice went close through Lukas Nmecha, who first headed straight at Giorgi Mamardashvili before later firing narrowly wide after a swift counter-attack.
Liverpool continued to threaten, with Trey Nyoni forcing Alex Cairns into a smart save from distance, before doubling their advantage five minutes before half-time.
Jeremie Frimpong burst down the right and picked out Wirtz, who calmly swept his finish into the bottom corner.
Second-half changes sway game
The visitors emerged after the interval with a completely different look following four substitutions, and they quickly found a route back into the contest.
Aaronson reduced the deficit on the hour after Ethan Ampadu’s pass found the American in space inside the area, and he made no mistake from close range.
Leeds were level 11 minutes later when Joe Rodon nodded Harry Wilson’s free-kick back across goal for Calvert-Lewin to convert from close range.
The momentum had completely shifted and Leeds completed the turnaround in the 73rd minute. Aaronson turned provider this time, slipping a pass into Sean Longstaff, who drilled a low finish beyond Mamardashvili.
Liverpool pushed for an equaliser, with Harvey Elliott seeing a close-range effort blocked and Ryan Gravenberch firing narrowly wide, but Leeds remained dangerous on the break.
Calvert-Lewin wrapped up the victory five minutes from time, meeting Sebastiaan Bornauw’s headed knockdown with a close-range header to seal a memorable comeback and hand Liverpool their first defeat of pre-season.
