Liverpool secure last 16 spot after emphatic Qarabag victory | OneFootball

Liverpool sweep aside Qarabag to seal Champions League progress

Liverpool’s European campaign continues to provide welcome clarity and confidence, as Arne Slot’s side swept Qarabag aside to secure automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16. On a night that felt cathartic as well as commanding, Liverpool delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, overpowering Qarabag with pace, precision and an attacking edge that has too often been missing domestically.

This was not merely a routine win. It was a reminder of Liverpool’s capacity to impose themselves on European opposition, to control tempo, and to overwhelm when confidence flows. Against Qarabag, the contest was effectively settled early, the visitors unable to live with the intensity and movement that Slot demands when his side are fully tuned in.

For Mohamed Salah, it was a particularly significant evening. His first goal since November carried emotional as well as sporting weight, restoring a familiar image of Salah celebrating in front of the Kop, arms wide, badge tapped, connection renewed.

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Early control sets tone at Anfield

Liverpool wasted little time in establishing authority. After 15 minutes, Alexis Mac Allister rose to head home from a corner, with goal line technology confirming the ball had crossed despite Qarabag goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski’s desperate attempt to claw it away. It was a moment that encapsulated the pattern of the match, Liverpool pressing high, Qarabag forced into survival mode.

Six minutes later, the advantage was doubled. Florian Wirtz’s crisp low finish added incision to control, underlining why Liverpool invested so heavily in his creativity and composure in tight areas. The rhythm was set, the visitors stretched, and Anfield sensed there would be no surprises.

Slot’s side moved the ball with purpose, recycling possession quickly, drawing Qarabag out before exploiting the spaces. It was structured, but expressive, a blend that has underpinned Liverpool’s stronger European displays this season.

Salah moment brings Anfield to life

Five minutes after the break came the moment many had been waiting for. Salah was fouled on the edge of the area, then curled the resulting free kick into the top corner after Dominic Szoboszlai’s touch. The finish was pure Salah, precise, confident, unerring. The celebration was equally telling, flamboyant, emotional, directed straight at the Kop.

This goal mattered. Salah had not scored in his previous eight appearances for Liverpool. His season has been marked by turbulence, including his Elland Road outburst when he claimed he had been “thrown under the bus” by the club and Slot after being left out. Since then came the Africa Cup Of Nations, speculation over his future, and a sense of a player searching for rhythm and reassurance.

Against Qarabag, he found both. The response from the stands was emphatic, a reminder of how deeply he is valued for his role in Liverpool’s modern era of success.

Ruthless finishing reflects European focus

With Qarabag reeling, Liverpool pressed home their advantage. Hugo Ekitike raced clear to add a fourth, exploiting tired legs and a stretched back line. Soon after, Mac Allister tapped in his second from almost on the goal line after a defensive shambles, reward for his intelligent movement and persistent threat.

Substitute Federico Chiesa completed the rout in the final moments, finishing simply from Virgil van Dijk’s pass. It was a comprehensive dismantling, Liverpool attacking in waves, Qarabag unable to stem the flow.

The only blemish on an otherwise serene night was another muscle injury to Jeremie Frimpong, forced off inside the opening two minutes. It was a reminder of Liverpool’s ongoing physical challenges, even on nights when everything else falls into place.

Slot will take satisfaction from both the result and the manner of it. After the scrutiny that followed defeat at Bournemouth and an increasingly difficult Premier League title defence, the Champions League has provided sanctuary. Following a 3-0 win in Marseille, Liverpool’s ruthless dismissal of Qarabag reinforces the sense that Europe remains fertile ground for confidence and momentum.

Progress to the last 16 does not resolve every question around Liverpool’s domestic form, but nights like this help restore belief. For Salah, it was a reconnection. For Liverpool, it was a statement. Qarabag were outclassed, and Anfield was reminded of what this team can still be when rhythm, belief and quality align.