Liverpool produced a ruthless and perfectly timed response on the European stage, putting recent domestic struggles firmly behind them with a crushing 6–0 win over Qarabag to book their place in the Champions League last 16.
That emphatic result saw the Reds end the league phase in third position, sparing them the uncertainty of a play-off and sending them straight through to the knockout rounds.
Alexis Mac Allister was central to the demolition, scoring twice as Liverpool’s attacking rhythm finally clicked again. Federico Chiesa added a late goal from the bench, rounding off a display that restored optimism around Anfield after weeks of uneven Premier League form.
From the first whistle, Qarabag looked overawed. The visitors were unable to live with Liverpool’s intense pressing, quick interchanges, and sharp off-the-ball movement.
Florian Wirtz, increasingly living up to his £116 million valuation, dictated the tempo with authority, drifting into pockets of space and knitting attacks together with ease.
Hugo Ekitike was equally influential. The striker frequently dropped deep to collect possession, drove at defenders, and led the front line with confidence, consistently unsettling Qarabag’s defence. His contribution was vital to Liverpool’s complete control of the contest.
Liverpool shifted up another gear after the interval, scoring four times and turning the match into a celebration for the Anfield crowd.
Still, the night was not without concern, as lingering injury issues remain a worry ahead of Saturday’s demanding league meeting with Newcastle United.
Arne Slot had acknowledged his squad’s difficulties before kick-off, and the situation was evident on the bench.
Curtis Jones missed out through illness, leaving Slot with only three senior outfield substitutes, alongside rarely used teenager Rio Ngumoha and midfielder Wataru Endo.
Endo was introduced almost immediately, coming on just three minutes in after Jeremie Frimpong appeared to pull up with a hamstring problem.
With Ryan Gravenberch already filling in at centre-back, Slot was forced into the awkward solution of using the soon-to-be 33-year-old holding midfielder at right-back.
Even so, Qarabag were unable to capitalise. Endo was scarcely tested as Liverpool monopolised the ball and, unlike in several domestic outings this season, never allowed their opponents to gain any momentum.
The breakthrough arrived in the 15th minute from a corner. Szoboszlai’s cross was glanced on by Ekitike, Van Dijk’s header dropped invitingly, and Mac Allister reacted fastest to force the ball over the line before the goalkeeper could recover.
It was just the Argentine’s second goal in an otherwise challenging campaign.
Moments later, Ekitike was involved again, surging forward and laying the ball off for Wirtz to strike from the edge of the area.
Liverpool continued to carve out chances before half-time, with Robertson, Szoboszlai, Gakpo, and Ekitike all going close.
The tie was effectively settled soon after the restart. Salah finished a cleverly worked free-kick and celebrated passionately in front of the Kop.
Ekitike then produced a brilliant solo effort, before Mac Allister grabbed his second from close range.
Although he missed the chance to complete a hat-trick, Chiesa sealed the rout, crowning a memorable European evening for Liverpool.
