Liverpool shrugged off their domestic frustrations in emphatic fashion, cruising into the Champions League round of 16 with a ruthless 6–0 demolition of Qarabag at Anfield.
While Arne Slot’s men have struggled for consistency in the Premier League, managing just five wins from their last 18 outings, Europe has offered a welcome escape.
This latest triumph marked their sixth group-stage victory and by far the most comfortable.
Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, both on the scoresheet again, were central to Liverpool’s dominance, alongside the ever-influential Dominik Szoboszlai.
Yet it was Mohamed Salah who stole the emotional spotlight, hammering the club badge after ending a long goal drought stretching back to November 1 — a clear signal that the old guard still has plenty to give.
Alexis Mac Allister struck twice, while substitute Federico Chiesa added another as Liverpool finished third in the group standings, safely avoiding the dreaded knockout play-off round.
Qarabag, however, looked overwhelmed from the outset. The Azerbaijani side struggled to cope with Liverpool’s aggressive press and slick passing, particularly from the lively Wirtz, who is increasingly justifying his £116 million price tag with decisive contributions.
Ekitike also impressed, combining intelligent movement, physical presence, and direct running to spearhead the attack effectively.
Four second-half goals turned Anfield into a carnival, briefly masking Liverpool’s Premier League troubles. However, the upcoming visit of Newcastle may quickly refocus attention, especially with injury concerns continuing to mount.
Slot had spoken pre-match about the team’s “struggles,” and Curtis Jones’ illness left Liverpool with only three senior outfield players on the bench.
Two of them, Rio Ngumoha and Wataru Endo have barely featured this season.
Endo was called into action almost immediately after Jeremie Frimpong appeared to pull up injured in the third minute.
Deploying a soon-to-be 33-year-old defensive midfielder at right-back was far from ideal, particularly with Ryan Gravenberch already filling in at centre-back.
Despite the reshuffle, Qarabag failed to exploit any weaknesses. Unlike several league matches this season, Liverpool remained solid and untroubled throughout.
The breakthrough arrived in the 15th minute when Szoboszlai’s corner was glanced on by Ekitike.
Virgil van Dijk’s header bounced invitingly for Mac Allister, who reacted fastest to force the ball over the line despite the goalkeeper’s desperate attempt to claw it clear.
It was just Mac Allister’s second goal of an otherwise quiet campaign, his previous strike coming in the dramatic win over Real Madrid two months earlier.
Ekitike soon turned provider, driving forward with purpose before laying the ball back for Wirtz, who rifled home from the edge of the area.
Liverpool continued to pile on the pressure. Andy Robertson fired over, Szoboszlai shot straight at the goalkeeper, while Gakpo and Ekitike both saw efforts deflected wide.
Any lingering doubt vanished five minutes after the restart. Szoboszlai cleverly back-heeled a free-kick into Salah’s path, and the Egyptian made no mistake. He celebrated by thumping the Liverbird on his chest before spreading his arms wide in front of the Kop.
Ekitike then produced a moment of individual brilliance, latching onto Van Dijk’s long pass, skipping past Bahlul Mustafazade and finishing coolly, soaking in the applause from the home supporters.
Mac Allister added his second from close range after a fortunate deflection off Matheus Silva.
He missed a gilt-edged chance for a hat-trick moments later, but Chiesa ensured the rout was complete with a composed finish to round off a dominant European night for Liverpool.
