MARSEILLE, FRANCE - JANUARY 21: Dominik Szoboszlai #8 of Liverpool FC celebrates his first goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Olympique de Marseille and Liverpool FC at Stade de Vélodrome on January 21, 2026 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images)
Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates after his clever free-kick put Liverpool in front at Marseille
Victory over Qarabag next week will secure Liverpool's passage to the knockout stages of the Champions League after a 3-0 win over Marseille in France.
A Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick on the stroke of half-time opened the scoring before an own goal from Marseille keeper Geronimo Rulli, which was forced by Jeremie Frimpong, double the advantage.
And it was left up to substitute Cody Gakpo to wrap up the scoring late on as embattled Reds boss Arne Slot made it 13 matches unbeaten since the end of November.
Mohamed Salah made his first start since that month and could have had a couple of goals while Hugo Ekitike had enough chances to come away with a hat-trick himself.
And here's how the ECHO saw things from the Orange Velodrome.
ALISSON BECKER - 8
Made one really important stop before the half-hour mark and did well to parry Mason Greenwood's long-range effort after the restart. Huge save late on to keep the clean sheet.
JEREMIE FRIMPONG - 8
Worked hard all night to be an attacking outlet in wide right areas and made his contribution for 2-0 at a vital time. Becoming a really important player for this side.
JOE GOMEZ - 7
Headed wide from an early corner. Otherwise faultless on a rare start at centre-back. Full credit to him here.
VIRGIL VAN DIJK - 7
Good defending to stand up and concede only a corner after a dangerous Marseille counter. Otherwise, he was untroubled on his 350th appearance.
MILOS KERKEZ - 8
Always willing and aggressive when both defending and attacking. Caused Marseille problems with some of his crossing. Driving run in the second half opened up the hosts. Is improving as a Liverpool player.
RYAN GRAVENBERCH - 7
Kept things ticking in the middle with his balance and closing down. Allowed others to thrive by offering the platform in midfield.
ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER - 7
Went close with a low strike and did his fair share of the defensive work with more attacking midfielder entrusted to create ahead of him. A good outing on his return to the side.
DOMINIK SZBOSZLAI - 8
Set the tone with some of his pressing and should have at least one assist to his name for two big Ekitike chances. Low free-kick for the goal was impudent and ran the show at times. He was imperious.
MOHAMED SALAH - 7
Should have headed home Ekitike's cross - although he was offside - and done better with toe-poke wide late on but more than played his part. Still searching for momentum after a first start since November. That will come in time.
HUGO EKITIKE - 7
Thought he'd scored goal number 13 for the campaign but strayed offside before finishing. Troubled Marseille throughout and could have had a hat-trick, striking the post and then firing over after the break.
FLORIAN WIRTZ - 7
Germany international is a joy to watch at times, he got Liverpool on the offensive all game and went close after forcing Rulli into a good second-half save.
Substitutes
CODY GAKPO - 7
Supplied Salah for what should have been a goal after his late introduction and took his goal well in the final seconds.
CURTIS JONES - 6
Kept things neat and tidy after replacing Ekitike late on.
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