Liverpool delivered a dominant and timely performance in Europe, brushing aside their recent domestic frustrations with an emphatic 6–0 victory over Qarabag to seal a place in the Champions League last 16.
The commanding win ensured the Reds finished third in the league-phase standings, allowing them to bypass the dreaded play-off round and progress directly into the knockout stages.
Alexis Mac Allister was at the heart of the rout, scoring twice on a night when Liverpool’s attacking fluency returned in full force. Substitute Federico Chiesa also found the net late on, capping off a performance that lifted the mood around Anfield after weeks of inconsistency in the Premier League.
From the opening exchanges, it was clear that Qarabag were overwhelmed by the occasion. The Azerbaijani side struggled to cope with Liverpool’s aggressive pressing, sharp movement, and rapid ball circulation. Florian Wirtz, increasingly justifying his £116 million price tag, orchestrated play with confidence and creativity, constantly finding space and linking attacks with ease.
Hugo Ekitike also produced an impressive display. The forward regularly dropped deep to receive the ball, ran directly at defenders, and led the line with authority, causing persistent problems for the visitors’ back line. His all-round performance was a key factor in Liverpool’s control of the match.
The second half saw Liverpool accelerate further, scoring four goals and turning the evening into a celebration inside Anfield. However, the joy was tempered slightly by ongoing injury concerns, which continue to cast a shadow ahead of Saturday’s challenging Premier League clash with Newcastle United.
Before kick-off, Arne Slot had spoken openly about the difficulties his squad has faced, and those problems were reflected on the bench. Illness ruled Curtis Jones out, leaving Slot with just three senior outfield players available as substitutes, including seldom-used youngster Rio Ngumoha and midfielder Wataru Endo.
Endo was called into action almost immediately, replacing Jeremie Frimpong just three minutes into the match after the Dutchman appeared to suffer a hamstring issue. With Ryan Gravenberch already deputising in central defence, Slot was forced into the less-than-ideal scenario of deploying a soon-to-be 33-year-old defensive midfielder at right-back.
Despite the disruption, Qarabag failed to take advantage. Endo was rarely troubled as Liverpool dominated possession and, unlike in several league matches this season, never allowed their opponents a foothold in the game.
Liverpool opened the scoring in the 15th minute from a corner. Szoboszlai’s delivery was flicked on by Ekitike, Van Dijk’s header bounced down, and Mac Allister reacted quickest to bundle the ball over the line before the goalkeeper could intervene. It was only the Argentine’s second goal of what has otherwise been a difficult season.
Soon after, Ekitike again played a crucial role, carrying the ball forward and setting up Wirtz to fire home from the edge of the box. Chances continued to flow, with Robertson, Szoboszlai, Gakpo, and Ekitike all going close before the break.
Liverpool put the result beyond doubt early in the second half. Salah converted from a cleverly worked free-kick, celebrating emphatically in front of the Kop. Ekitike then added a stunning solo goal before Mac Allister scored his second from close range. Though the midfielder missed a hat-trick opportunity, Chiesa completed the rout to crown a memorable European night for the Reds.
