Liverpool Close In on Champions League Knockouts with Commanding 3-0 Triumph in Marseille

Key Takeaways:

• Dominik Szoboszlai, Gerónimo Rulli (own goal), and Cody Gakpo netted as Liverpool defeated Marseille 3-0 last night in the Champions League group stage
• Mohamed Salah made his return to the starting lineup for the first time since making public accusations against the manager and the club
• With this result, Arne Slot’s side moved to fourth overall, facing a decisive home match against Qarabağ in their last fixture

Match Analysis

Liverpool delivered a clinical performance in Marseille, securing a 3-0 away victory in their seventh Champions League group match. Dominik Szoboszlai broke the deadlock at the end of the first half with a deft free-kick. The visitors increased their advantage in the 72nd minute when Marseille goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli inadvertently put the ball into his own net. Substitute Cody Gakpo sealed the result with a third goal in the closing moments.

This win sees Liverpool advance to fourth place in the group standings, positioning Arne Slot’s team favourably for qualification, particularly with a final home fixture ahead against Qarabağ.

Significantly, Mohamed Salah returned to the Reds’ starting eleven, marking his first appearance since his recent controversial interview in which he levelled accusations at both the coaching staff and the club’s hierarchy.

Victory in the Vélodrome 💪🔴 #UCL pic.twitter.com/w97w5VMjvN

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 21, 2026

First-Half Developments

The Merseyside club made an assured start, maintaining prolonged spells of possession. Joe Gomez fashioned the first real chance after just six minutes, latching onto a corner but directing his attempt well off target. The hosts responded with a series of swift attacks, with Pavard nearly getting on the end of one such move before Alisson intervened.

Alexis Mac Allister found space and came close in the 19th minute, shooting narrowly wide of Rulli’s far post. A subsequent counter-attack produced a goal from Ekitike, which was quickly ruled out for offside. While Liverpool continued to edge proceedings, Alisson was called into action in the 27th minute to deny Gouiri’s low drive.

Mohamed Salah then blazed over from a tight angle, as the visitors probed for an opening. It was just before the interval when Ryan Gravenberch drew a foul outside the area. Szoboszlai curled a clever free-kick under the wall, leaving the Marseille keeper with little chance and putting Liverpool ahead at half-time.

Second-Half Turning Points

Marseille emerged with greater attacking intent after the interval, but it was Liverpool who threatened first. Ekitike teed up Wirtz inside the penalty area, whose effort was smothered by the defence. At the opposite end, Mason Greenwood fired a powerful long-range attempt, but Alisson was equal to it and produced a strong save. Seconds later, Greenwood flashed another shot just wide following a deflection.

Liverpool had a golden opportunity to double their advantage in the 59th minute, Szoboszlai releasing Ekitike, whose shot rattled the crossbar. The French side replied with a quick break, Greenwood sending Traoré through on goal, only for Traoré to fire over. Shortly afterwards, Wirtz tested Rulli, but his effort was saved.

Ekitike struggled to find his finishing touch, as his next chance was parried over by Rulli. Virgil van Dijk impressed at the back for Liverpool, making a crucial intervention to deny Timothy Weah. Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi opted for a triple substitution, including the introduction of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Closing Stages and Final Score

Salah saw a goal chalked off for offside in the 71st minute after connecting with an Ekitike cross. Moments later, Liverpool doubled their lead when Frimpong surged into the box and his attempted pass deflected off goalkeeper Rulli into the net. From that point, the hosts struggled to create clear chances.

Salah missed another significant opportunity in the 83rd minute, firing wide in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Deep into stoppage time, Aubameyang was denied by Alisson, and in the ensuing counter-attack, Cody Gakpo capitalised on space in the area to complete the 3-0 scoreline.