Liverpool Secure Commanding Champions League Victory in Marseille with Salah's Return
Mohamed Salah's much-anticipated return to the Liverpool starting lineup provided a significant talking point as Arne Slot's side delivered a comprehensive 3-0 victory against Marseille in Wednesday's Champions League encounter. While all eyes were understandably focused on the Egyptian forward's comeback, it was Dominik Szoboszlai who stole the spotlight with a clever first-half free-kick that set the tone for Liverpool's dominant performance.
Szoboszlai's Brilliance Overshadows Salah's Return
The match narrative centered around Salah's first start since November 26th, when Liverpool suffered a humiliating 4-1 home defeat to PSV Eindhoven. That match represented the final loss in a concerning run of nine defeats across twelve games before Liverpool embarked on their current twelve-match unbeaten streak. Salah's subsequent omission from the team had sparked significant controversy, with the forward making explosive comments about being "thrown under the bus" and suggesting his relationship with manager Arne Slot had deteriorated.
However, the Africa Cup of Nations provided a natural break in proceedings, allowing tensions to potentially ease. Deployed in an attacking role alongside Hugo Ekitike within a 4-2-2-2 formation, with Florian Wirtz and Szoboszlai operating as twin number tens, Salah found himself with slightly reduced defensive responsibilities and positioned closer to the penalty area. Despite this tactical adjustment designed to maximise his attacking threat, the Egyptian international struggled to impose himself decisively on the match.
Match-Defining Moments and Tactical Observations
Szoboszlai's opening goal arrived in first-half added time, demonstrating remarkable ingenuity as he cleverly slipped a free-kick under the jumping Marseille wall. The set-piece situation might typically have favoured Salah's left foot, but Szoboszlai took charge with a low, precise shot that crept under Leonardo Balerdi's leap and nestled inside the post. This moment of quality established Liverpool's control and highlighted the Hungarian midfielder's growing influence within the team structure.
Salah's limited impact became increasingly apparent as the match progressed. His best opportunity of the first half saw him divert Jeremie Frimpong's cross onto the roof of the net with his hip, while an offside flag spared his embarrassment after he directed a second-half header wide of the target. The most glaring miss came when he skewed a clear chance wide with only goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli to beat, underscoring his evident rustiness following an extended absence from the starting lineup.
Liverpool's Growing Strength Beyond Salah
What this performance clearly demonstrated was that Liverpool's attacking threat no longer revolves exclusively around their Egyptian talisman. The creative influence of Wirtz and Szoboszlai, complemented by Ekitike's physical presence, now represents a more diversified and potent attacking arsenal. This development suggests Liverpool's tactical evolution under Slot is progressing positively, with multiple players capable of deciding matches.
The second goal arrived as pressure began to build from the hosts, with Frimpong's driven cross deflecting off goalkeeper Rulli and into the net. Substitute Cody Gakpo then added late gloss to the scoreline with an added-time strike, securing only Liverpool's second three-goal victory against top-tier opposition this season. Defensively, Alisson Becker remained alert when called upon, making important saves from Amine Gouiri and Mason Greenwood either side of halftime.
Context and Implications
This convincing away victory significantly enhances Liverpool's prospects of securing a top-eight finish in the Champions League, avoiding the uncertainty of playoff matches. Results elsewhere on Tuesday had already opened this possibility, with Atletico Madrid's draw at Galatasaray providing additional encouragement for the Merseyside club.
The match also carried historical resonance, with Marseille's tifo display featuring The Beatles reading a newspaper with the headline 'Que l'histoire se repete' – loosely translated as 'That History repeats itself' – referencing their 2004 UEFA Cup victory against Liverpool at the same venue. On this occasion, however, Liverpool ensured history would not repeat, delivering a performance that combined defensive solidity with clinical finishing.
While Salah's return understandably dominated pre-match discussions, Liverpool's collective performance demonstrated their growing strength and tactical flexibility under Slot's management. The victory represents another positive step in their Champions League campaign and suggests the team is developing multiple attacking threats beyond their established star forward.
