Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring for Liverpool against Marseille in the Champions League as the Reds secured a 3-0 victory in France
Ian Doyle Chief Liverpool FC Writer
00:25, 22 Jan 2026
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai after the Champions League win over Marseille in France on January 21 2026
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai after the Champions League win over Marseille in France on January 21 2026(Image: TNT Sports)
Dominik Szoboszlai has disclosed how meticulous preparation from Liverpool's coaching team enabled him to put the Reds on course for Champions League triumph in Marseille.
Szoboszlai netted the breakthrough goal from a set-piece during first-half stoppage time as Arne Slot's outfit took a significant stride towards automatic qualification for the last 16 at the Stade Vélodrome with a commanding 3-0 victory on Wednesday night.
Following Liverpool being granted a foul close to the edge of the Marseille penalty area, the midfielder took charge ahead of Mohamed Salah and delivered a low drive beneath the wall and past keeper Geronimo Rulli.
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Szoboszlai subsequently revealed how he had been briefed that the French club frequently opts, contrary to numerous other sides, against positioning a player on the ground behind the wall to prevent such attempts.
"I did my homework," he told TNT Sports. "I got told that if nobody is laying down then maybe I can have a chance to hit it under the wall.
"No-one was laying down so I tried it and, yeah, it worked out. We will always discuss who feels good in the game (to take the free-kick). He (Salah) asked me if I wanted to take it and I said: 'Yes, because I checked if nobody is laying down I'm going to take it under the wall'. He said: 'Okay, then take it' and I scored.
"I'm really happy that he (Salah) is back and helping the team on the pitch and also off the pitch as well. I'm really close to him and I like to play with him, he's shown many times he has the ability to change a game.
"He didn't have a goal or an assist today, still he was working hard and sometimes you have to close your eyes and work hard for the team. Probably next game he will score or assist someone."
Szoboszlai also played a part in the build-up to Liverpool's third goal netted by substitute Cody Gakpo after Jeremie Frimpong had prompted an own goal from Rulli on 72 minutes.
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The outcome leaves the Reds sitting in fourth position in the standings with only a home fixture against Qarabag left next Wednesday.
The top eight progress straight through to the last 16 and bypass the requirement for a play-off.
"I am very happy," said Szoboszlai. "We knew it would be tough, we know what they are able to do with this coach (Roberto De Zerbi). We were prepared and we take the three points."