Liverpool Deliver Champions League Masterclass to Silence Critics
Liverpool produced a scintillating performance at Anfield on Wednesday night, demolishing Qarabag 6-0 to secure their place in the Champions League last 16 with authority. The emphatic victory provided much-needed respite for manager Arne Slot, whose team have faced mounting criticism during a difficult Premier League campaign.
Clinical Reds Find European Form
The Reds displayed the kind of clinical finishing that has been absent from many of their domestic displays this season. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring in the 15th minute, capitalising on a goalmouth scramble following a Dominik Szoboszlai corner that had been flicked on by Hugo Ekitike and headed down by Virgil van Dijk.
Just six minutes later, Florian Wirtz doubled Liverpool's advantage with a precise low strike, taking his personal tally to five goals since late December. The £116 million signing is beginning to show the quality that prompted such significant investment, though expectations remain high for the German international.
Salah Ends Goal Drought in Style
The second half brought further cheer for the Anfield faithful as Mohamed Salah found the net for the first time since November. The Egyptian forward curled a beautiful free-kick into the corner for his 49th Champions League goal, prompting emotional celebrations with The Kop that arguably provided the night's loudest moment.
Soon after, Hugo Ekitike made it four with an opportunistic finish after dispossessing hesitant defender Bahlul Mustafazade. The French forward demonstrated excellent anticipation and composure to round goalkeeper Kevin Medina before slotting home.
Mac Allister Brace Completes Dominant Display
Alexis Mac Allister completed his brace in the 61st minute, taking advantage of defensive uncertainty from Matheus Silva to poke home Liverpool's fifth. The scoring was rounded off in the 90th minute when substitute Federico Chiesa calmly slotted in the sixth, marking Liverpool's widest margin of victory under Arne Slot's management.
Injury Concern Mars Otherwise Perfect Night
The only negative on an otherwise flawless evening came early when Jeremie Frimpong pulled up with what appeared to be another muscle injury. The right-back's visible distress prompted an expletive-filled reaction from Slot on the touchline, with the Dutch manager already dealing with significant defensive selection issues.
With just one fit centre-back available, forcing Ryan Gravenberch to partner Virgil van Dijk in defence, the loss of Frimpong meant Wataru Endo had to deputise at right-back. Fortunately for Liverpool, Qarabag offered so little attacking threat that the makeshift defensive arrangement went largely untested.
European Success Contrasts Domestic Struggles
This commanding European performance stands in stark contrast to Liverpool's Premier League form, where they have all but surrendered their title and face a battle to secure Champions League qualification for next season. The victory represents just their third win of 2026, following successes against Marseille in Europe and Barnsley in the FA Cup.
Before kick-off, Slot had spoken about the difficulty of shutting down the noise surrounding his team's inconsistent performances. While acknowledging that one display cannot completely silence critics, the manager expressed optimism that something special remains possible this season.
Anfield Atmosphere Transforms
The atmosphere inside Anfield reflected the team's improved performance. Whereas recent matches have featured boos and frustration, Wednesday night brought enthusiastic chants of "Liverpool, Liverpool" and songs celebrating past European triumphs. The only jeers were reserved for the Champions League anthem, a tradition at many English grounds.
This transformation from discontent to celebration provided temporary relief for Slot, who will be acutely aware that positive sentiment could quickly evaporate if Liverpool suffer an eighth Premier League defeat when Newcastle visit Anfield on Saturday night. For now though, the cheers of a satisfied Anfield crowd have temporarily drowned out the criticism.
