Liverpool Cruise into Champions League Last 16 with Six-Goal Rout of Qarabag

Reds put domestic woes aside with dominant European display at Anfield

Liverpool swept aside their Premier League frustrations in emphatic fashion, thrashing Qarabag 6-0 at Anfield to book a comfortable place in the Champions League round of 16.

While league form under Arne Slot has been inconsistent, Europe continues to provide refuge for the Reds, who claimed a sixth — and by far their easiest — group-stage victory to avoid the dreaded play-off round and finish third in the table.

European confidence on display

As in Marseille last week, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Dominik Szoboszlai dictated proceedings, combining pace, pressing and precision to overwhelm their Azerbaijani opponents.

But the loudest cheer of the night belonged to Mohamed Salah, whose second-half goal was his first since November 1. The Egyptian celebrated by emphatically thumping the Liverbird on his chest — a reminder that Liverpool’s old guard still has plenty to offer.

Alexis Mac Allister scored twice, while substitute Federico Chiesa added a late sixth as Anfield turned into a party.

Early setback, total control

Liverpool were forced into an early reshuffle when Jeremie Frimpong appeared to pull a hamstring after just three minutes, leaving Wataru Endo — a defensive midfielder approaching his 33rd birthday — filling in at right-back.

Despite the disruption, Qarabag were unable to exploit the situation. Liverpool’s pressing and passing, orchestrated by the electric Wirtz, ensured the visitors never threatened.

The breakthrough arrived in the 15th minute. Szoboszlai’s corner was flicked on by Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk headed goalwards and Mac Allister reacted quickest to force the ball over the line.

Goals keep flowing

Ekitike continued to torment the defence, driving forward to tee up Wirtz, who rifled home from the edge of the box. Chances followed in waves, with Andy Robertson, Cody Gakpo and Szoboszlai all going close.

Five minutes after the restart, Liverpool effectively sealed the result. Szoboszlai cleverly back-heeled a free-kick into Salah’s path, and the forward made no mistake before delivering his emotional celebration in front of the Kop.

Ekitike then produced a moment of individual brilliance, stealing Virgil van Dijk’s long pass, bursting through on goal and finishing clinically to take his bow.

Mac Allister added his second from close range after a fortunate deflection, and although he missed a golden chance for a hat-trick, Chiesa was on hand to round off the scoring.

Focus shifts back to the league

The emphatic victory ensured Liverpool’s smooth passage into the knockout stages, briefly allowing Anfield to forget domestic struggles.

However, attention now turns back to the Premier League, with Newcastle visiting on Saturday — a stern test that could quickly bring Slot’s side back down to earth.