Liverpool’s emotional win over Bournemouth honours late Diogo Jota

Liverpool winger Federioco Chiesa dedicated his side’s dramatic 4-2 win over Bournemouth in their Premier League opener to the late Diogo Jota. He described the victory as “Diogo’s day”.

Diogo Jota, tragically died in a car crash in northern Spain in July, alongside his brother Andre Silva. Emotional tributes surrounded the match at Anfield, with fans, players, and family members paying their respect. 

Mohamed Salah was seen in tears as he applauded the fans at full time.

Chiesa, who scored Liverpool’s third goal in the 88th minute, talked to BBC Sport: “The goal was a great moment for me, but my thoughts go to Diogo. The fans chanting his song throughout the match was very emotional. After scoring, my thoughts went to his family, especially his brother Andre.”

Before kick-off, Jota’s family attended a moving tribute. Fans sang “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and help up mosaics reading DJ20 and AS30 in the Kop and Sir Kenny Dalglish stands. 

A flag in the Kop said: “Anfield will always be your home.” Fans also sang, “Oh he wears the number 20” in his honour.

Liverpool led 2-0 before Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo scored twice to level the match. 

Reds manager Arne Slot said: “Normally at 2-2, I took to one player. I would have loved to bring in Diogo, but for terrible reasons, I could not. The fans and players gave what he gave us many times before. The tribute was very powerful and emotional.”

This weekend, a moment of silence will be held at all Premier League matches, players will wear black armbands, and stadium screens will show message and images in Jot’s memory.

Liverpool will honour Jota throughout the season with a Forever 20 logo on shirts and stadium jackets. 

The club retired his number 20 shirt consulting his wife Rute Cardoso and family, remembering his key role in Liverpool’s record equalling 20th English top flight title last season.