Mohamed Salah ended his goal drought for Liverpool with a clinical strike as the Reds delivered a commanding 6-0 victory over Qarabag at Anfield, securing their place in the Champions League last 16 for the second consecutive season. The emphatic win provided a stark contrast to Liverpool's recent Premier League struggles, where manager Arne Slot has lamented a "very bad cocktail" of defensive errors and missed opportunities.
Champions League Form Shines Amid Domestic Woes
Liverpool's performance against the Azerbaijani champions showcased the pedigree that has seen them defeat top European sides like Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and Inter Milan during this group stage campaign. With six wins from eight matches in the Champions League, Slot's team demonstrated the quality that has been inconsistent in domestic competition, where they suffered a disappointing defeat at Bournemouth just days before this European fixture.
Salah's Emotional Return to Scoring Form
The Egyptian forward's goal came in the second half from a clever free-kick routine, with Dominik Szoboszlai back-heeling the ball for Salah to sweep a powerful finish into the top corner. This marked Salah's 49th Champions League goal and his first for Liverpool in any competition since November 1st, coming after his controversial comments about the club in December. The forward celebrated by facing the Kop and emphatically thumping the Liver bird emblem on his chest.
Slot expressed relief at the comprehensive victory and clean sheet following the Bournemouth setback, with the added bonus of avoiding February's two-legged playoff round proving particularly valuable given Liverpool's mounting injury concerns. The manager had defended his team selection decisions before the match, stating: "If people knew the struggles we and I are facing, they would be more understanding of the decisions I make."
Early Setback and Defensive Reshuffle
The match began with concern for Liverpool as defender Jeremie Frimpong suffered an injury in just the second minute, pulling up while chasing a Qarabag clearance down the right flank. The Dutch international, who has previously struggled with hamstring issues during his debut season at Anfield, was visibly distraught as he limped off the pitch. Qarabag captain Abdellah Zoubir showed immediate sportsmanship by putting the ball out of play so Frimpong could receive treatment.
Frimpong's early exit forced Slot into a defensive reshuffle, with Wataru Endo entering the fray and leaving Liverpool with a back four containing just two natural defenders alongside two midfielders. Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, and Milos Kerkez remain the only fit, recognised defenders available to Slot until Ibrahima Konaté returns from compassionate leave.
Goals Flow Against Limited Opposition
Despite the defensive disruption, Liverpool quickly established control with two first-half goals. The breakthrough came from a set-piece when Szoboszlai's corner deflected off Qarabag defender Kevin Medina before reaching Van Dijk at the back post. The captain's header bounced up for Alexis Mac Allister to nod home before goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski could intervene.
The second goal arrived shortly after when Hugo Ekitiké held up Andy Robertson's pass, turned away from two defenders, and squared the ball to Florian Wirtz. The German international found himself with ample time and space at the edge of the box to calmly pick his spot in the bottom corner.
Comprehensive Second-Half Display
After Salah's goal extended Liverpool's lead, Ekitiké deservedly got on the scoresheet himself with an impressive solo effort. The striker chased a long clearance, outpaced both Bahlul Mustafazade and Kevin Medina, and finished clinically past the advancing goalkeeper.
Mac Allister claimed his second goal of the evening when Qarabag right-back Matheus Silva inadvertently diverted a Szoboszlai pass into the Argentine midfielder's path, allowing him to round Kochalski and tap into an empty net. Substitute Federico Chiesa completed the rout in the final minute of normal time, finishing from close range after being found unmarked by Van Dijk.
Qarabag's European Ambitions Dashed
The Azerbaijani champions had entered the final matchday in 18th position in the expanded Champions League format, above established European clubs like Marseille, Bayer Leverkusen, Napoli, and Benfica. Their hopes of continuing their rise in European football by qualifying for the playoffs were extinguished by Liverpool's dominant performance, with the gulf in class becoming increasingly apparent as the match progressed.
For Liverpool, this comprehensive victory provides welcome momentum as they navigate a challenging period of injuries and inconsistent domestic form. The Champions League continues to offer a platform where their quality shines through, with the last-16 qualification secured with minimal fuss despite the squad's evident limitations.
