Liverpool stars soak in fans' tributes to Diogo Jota at final whistle as Arne Slot's Reds win their first game back since car tragedy with Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo copying late star's celebrations

Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez paid tribute to Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota by with their goal celebrations after scoring in a pre-season friendly against Preston.

Liverpool were taking to the field for the first time since the tragic passing of Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 25, in a car crash in Spain on July 3.

Arne Slot's side won 3-1, with Conor Bradley opening the scoring in the 33rd minute before Nunez made it 2-0 just after half time.

Liam Lindsay got a goal back for Preston before Gakpo added a third for Liverpool. 

Gakpo performed Jota's trademark celebration, with Liverpool players subsequently applauding the fans at full time as they stood and listened to Jota's trademark chant in emotional scenes. 

After finding the net, Nunez performed Jota's PlayStation celebration. He also pointed to the sky in memory of his team-mate and replicated another of his team-mate's celebrations.

Raul Jimenez, who played with Jota at Wolves, previously paid tribute with the PlayStation celebration after scoring for Mexico against the USA in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final. 

Gakpo and Jota made 53 appearances alongside each other for Liverpool, while Nunez played with Jota on 51 occasions.

Jota's passion for playing FIFA (now called EAFC) was widely known, with the Portugal international often competing in tournaments online.

He also founded his own eSports company - Diogo Jota eSports - which was later named Luna Galaxy after his pet dog.

Numerous tributes were paid to Jota and Silva at Deepdale.

Prior to the game between Liverpool and Preston an immaculately observed minute's silence took place at Deepdale.

Liverpool's club anthem 'You'll Never Walk Alone' was sung before kick-off, while Preston's club captain Benjamin Whiteman carried a wreath which he placed in front of the away end as part of the hosts' tribute. 

Players from both teams wore black armbands, while digital tributes were shown on screens around the ground.

A black and white image of Jota holding the Premier League trophy featured on the cover of a 16-page commemorative matchday programme at Deepdale.

Merchandise stalls sold scarves and flags bearing Jota's name.

Liverpool confirmed this week that the club's No20 shirt will be retired in memory of Jota. 

Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and made 182 appearances for the Reds, while he scored 65 goals and provided 26 assists.