Liverpool thrashed Qarabag 6-0 at Anfield to finish third in the Champions League league phase and secure automatic qualification for the last 16.
Liverpool powered into the Champions League last 16 with a ruthless 6-0 win over Qarabag at Anfield. Arne Slot’s side removed any doubt early and never eased up. The victory sealed automatic qualification from the league phase. Liverpool finished third in the standings. European form again offered relief from domestic pressure.
Liverpool struck first after 15 minutes through Alexis Mac Allister. His header from a corner crossed the line despite a desperate claw from Mateusz Kochalski. Florian Wirtz doubled the lead six minutes later with a crisp low finish. The hosts-controlled possession and territory. Qarabag struggled to settle.
The advantage grew shortly after the break. Mohamed Salah scored for the first time since November. A clever free kick routine ended with a curling finish into the top corner. Anfield responded with visible release. Liverpool sensed a chance to run clear.
Qarabag were overwhelmed as Liverpool accelerated. Hugo Ekitike raced through to make it four after 57 minutes. Mac Allister then added his second from close range. The goals arrived in quick succession. The contest was effectively settled.
Substitute Federico Chiesa completed the scoring in the final minute. Virgil van Dijk drove forward before supplying the pass. Chiesa finished simply to cap a dominant display. Liverpool had scored six without reply. Qarabag offered little resistance late on.
Van Dijk’s influence extended beyond defending on the night. He assisted three goals from the back line. Dominik Szoboszlai also impressed in midfield. His set piece delivery caused constant problems. Liverpool created chances with ease.
Statistically the gap between the sides was clear. Liverpool generated 5.6 expected goals. Qarabag managed just 0.22 in response. The hosts dominated shots and possession. Anfield watched a one sided contest.
Despite the comfort, there was a concern for Slot. Jeremie Frimpong was forced off early with a muscle problem. The injury adds to Liverpool’s defensive issues. Wataru Endo filled in at right back. The disruption did little to slow momentum.
Qarabag’s heavy defeat did not end their European journey. Results elsewhere kept them inside the play off places. They finished on 10 points from the league phase. The scale of the loss was damaging. Progress now depends on the draw.
Anfield played its part from the opening whistle. The early goals lifted the crowd. Support grew louder after the break. Salah’s strike drew the biggest roar. The night ended in celebration, though the mood was dampened by Jeremie Frimpong’s injury barely five minutes into the game.
Slot praised his side’s focus after the match. He highlighted control and patience. Rotation paid off across the front line. Momentum now carries forward into Saturday’s Premier League match against Newcastle United before taking on Manchester City on 8th February.
