Liverpool secured a 3-0 away victory over Marseille in the Champions League with Dominik Szoboszlai scoring a brilliant free-kick and Cody Gakpo sealing the win late on
22:14, 21 Jan 2026
Liverpool
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Liverpool impressed on Wednesday evening(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Liverpool made significant progress towards securing a top-eight spot in the Champions League's opening phase with a commanding away triumph over Marseille.
The hosts believed they had taken the lead within 25 minutes when Hugo Ekitike slotted home from close quarters. Nevertheless, the French striker was evidently in an offside position and the strike was ruled out after a swift VAR check.
The Reds finally found the breakthrough on the cusp of half-time, as Dominik Szoboszlai struck a free-kick beneath the defensive wall and into the bottom corner. Marseille sought an equaliser in the second period, with Mason Greenwood testing Alisson Becker's reflexes from distance.
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, gestures during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Olympique de Marseille and Liverpool FC at Stade de Marseille on January 21, 2026 in Marseille, France.
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Arne Slot's side took all three points with the 3-0 win(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
Yet it was Liverpool who extended their lead when Jeremie Frimpong's delivery was diverted into his own net by Marseille defender Facundo Medina. The strike was ultimately recorded as an own goal by home keeper Geronimo Rulli.
Matters improved further for Liverpool as Cody Gakpo rifled into the corner during the dying moments of added time, capping off a superb away performance for the Merseysiders, reports the Express.
Daily Star Sportassesses the Liverpool players following tonight's triumph at the Stade Velodrome....
Alisson Becker, 7 - Displayed courage in rushing from his area to clear loose balls and produced two vital stops to prevent Marseille from finding an equaliser.
Jeremie Frimpong, 7 - Troubled Marseille down the right wing and delivered the low ball that resulted in the second goal. An excellent display.
Joe Gomez, 8 - Missed a free header from a corner in the opening exchanges. Was otherwise faultless on a rare start in central defence.
Virgil van Dijk, 8 - Executed his defensive responsibilities admirably and helped Liverpool progress with some intelligent passing on his 350th appearance for the Reds.
Milos Kerkez, 7 - Displayed excellent intensity in both attacking and defensive phases. Delivered some accurate crosses into the penalty area. A solid display.
Ryan Gravenberch, 6 - Found his decision-making lacking in the centre of the pitch and failed to connect with several aerial balls, though he maintained the tempo reasonably well.
Alexis Mac Allister, 6 - Almost found the net with a powerful strike from distance that flew narrowly wide of the far post and contributed adequately to defensive duties.
Dominik Szoboszlai, 8 - Netted a brilliant free-kick and carved out numerous opportunities from the right wing. The standout performer throughout the match.
Florian Wirtz, 7 - Appeared energetic in the attacking third, making himself available and attempting to influence proceedings positively, though he couldn't find a goal or assist.
Mohamed Salah, 6 - Rather subdued upon his return from international commitments. Came close with a lacklustre effort in the opening period and squandered a golden opportunity late on.
Hugo Ekitike, 7 - Failed to time his movement correctly when netting the ruled-out goal but struck the frame and remained a persistent menace in the penalty area.
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Substitutes:
Cody Gakpo, 7 - Entered the fray with merely 11 minutes left to replace Ekitike. Spearheaded the attack competently and finished his goal superbly.
Curtis Jones, 6 - Maintained momentum during the final phases of the contest with Liverpool clearly in control.