Liverpool opened their journey to defend the Premier League title with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Bournemouth, when Anfield was in gratitude to Diogo Jota.
The late goals of Federico Chiesa (88m) and Mohamed Salah (904m) brought the complete 3 points for The Kop. Before that, Antoine Semenyo scored a double to equalize 2-2 for the away team after goals from Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo on Liverpool's side.
"When we faced Bournemouth here last season, we led 3-0 but they still didn't give up. They have a very high running index.
Today, we can once again see their perseverance. They never stop, their speed and tempo are incredible, they sprint until the end.
However, they had to face a very strong Liverpool. We have lost many players this summer, but we have never lost fighting spirit" - Arne Slot said.
This is the first official home match of the "Red Brigade" since Jota's tragic departure last month. In the stands, fans sang the Portuguese striker's name and held up a flag in memory of him.
A minute of silence was also given to Jota and his younger brother Andre Silva, who were victims of a car accident in early July. At the end of the match, Salah burst into tears as he and his teammates applauded towards the audience, where the songs of gratitude to Jota still echoed.
Just a few months ago, Anfield was filled with joy when Liverpool ended a memorable season winning the Premier League championship in front of more than 60,000 spectators.
However, the next return to the Premier League by coach Arne Slot's team took place in a tragic atmosphere. Tens of thousands of people gathered to celebrate the passing of Jota - one of the most beloved players here.
Jota's sudden departure has left a deep void on Merseyside. The wave of regrets spread strongly and became even more evident in the emotional evening.
Before the match, Liverpool and Bournemouth fans took a minute of solemn silence. In the stands, thousands of cards were raised high, combined into commemorative photos of Jota and Andre.
For 90 minutes, the familiar songs associated with Jota echoed throughout the four corners of the field, reminding everyone of the loss not only in the present moment but also haunting the whole journey ahead of the club.
Liverpool have decided to permanently suspend Jota's No. 20 shirt, and plan to organize many fixed gratitude activities in the coming weeks and months. As time passed, one thing is certain: at Anfield, the legacy that Jota left will live on in the hearts of fans.
"Normally, when the score is 2-2, I think you all know which player I will look towards. I really want to bring Diogo Jota on, but I can't for a heartbreaking reason.
However, the remaining players and the fans have done what he has brought many times in the past" - Arne Slot said in choked up.
