Liverpool emphatically put their Premier League woes behind them with a commanding 6-0 victory over Qarabag at Anfield, securing their place in the Champions League last 16 with a display of attacking prowess.
European Comfort Contrasts Domestic Struggles
While Arne Slot's side have managed just five wins from their last eighteen Premier League outings, Europe has provided a welcome sanctuary. This comprehensive triumph marked Liverpool's sixth group-stage victory in this season's Champions League campaign, and arguably their most straightforward.
Young Stars Shine as Salah Makes Emotional Return
The creative impetus once again flowed through Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, with Dominik Szoboszlai pulling the strings in midfield. However, the most poignant moment arrived when Mohamed Salah emphatically thumped the Liverbird on his chest after scoring his first goal for the club since November 1st, a powerful reminder of his enduring quality.
Further goals from Alexis Mac Allister, who netted twice, and substitute Federico Chiesa completed the rout. The result ensured Liverpool finished third in their group, successfully avoiding the potentially tricky play-off round.
Qarabag Overwhelmed by Liverpool's Intensity
The Azerbaijani visitors appeared thoroughly overawed by the occasion at a vibrant Anfield. They struggled to cope with Liverpool's aggressive pressing game and the intricate, rapid passing moves orchestrated by the fleet-footed Wirtz, who is increasingly justifying his substantial £116million transfer fee.
Ekitike was equally impressive, demonstrating versatility by dropping deep to collect the ball, driving at defenders with purpose, and leading the line with considerable authority.
Injury Concerns Loom Despite Anfield Celebration
A four-goal second-half salvo sent Anfield into a party atmosphere, with domestic concerns momentarily forgotten. However, attention must quickly turn to Saturday's crucial Premier League visit of Newcastle United, a match that could bring the team back down to earth.
Liverpool's already significant injury problems worsened during the match. Manager Arne Slot had spoken pre-match about the "struggles" endured, and Curtis Jones' absence through illness left just three senior outfield players on the bench. The situation deteriorated when Jeremie Frimpong appeared to pull a hamstring after just three minutes, forcing the introduction of Wataru Endo.
Deploying Endo, a defensive midfielder who turns 33 in a fortnight, at right-back was far from ideal. This was compounded by Ryan Gravenberch, the player who typically performs the holding role, already covering in central defence. Despite this defensive reshuffle, Qarabag failed to muster a single meaningful attempt to test the Japanese international.
Goal Breakdown and Match Control
Liverpool took control from the outset and, unlike several occasions this season, never afforded their opponents a clear opening. The breakthrough came in the 15th minute from a set-piece. Szoboszlai's corner was flicked on by Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk's stooping header bounced down, and Mac Allister reacted quickest to poke the ball over the line before goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski could claw it out.
Ekitike then showcased his talent, brilliantly retaining possession before driving forward and teeing up Wirtz to score from the edge of the area. Liverpool created a flurry of further chances before half-time, with Andy Robertson, Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo, and Ekitike all going close.
The result was put beyond doubt five minutes into the second half. In a clever reversal of a routine, Szoboszlai back-heeled a free-kick into the path of Salah, who fired home. The Egyptian's emotional celebration in front of the Kop followed.
Ekitike then scored a superb solo goal, intercepting Van Dijk's long pass, rounding defender Bahlul Mustafazade, and racing through to beat the keeper before taking his own bow in front of the Kop. Mac Allister tapped in his second from close range after a fortunate deflection, and while he missed a chance for a hat-trick, substitute Chiesa made no mistake with his late opportunity to complete the scoring.
