Liverpool have cruised into the last 16 of the Champions League after thrashing Qarabag 6-0.
It was a routine night for the Reds, who so badly needed a convincing performance to stave off the pitchforks of a frustrated Liverpool fanbase.
The first half saw goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Florian Wirtz, which felt like enough to set up a convincing win.
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Convincing is exactly what it was. After the break, quick goals from Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike put the game beyond doubt, before Mac Allister walked it into the net, and Federico Chiesa put a stamp on it. Emphatic.
Who was Liverpool’s best player on a much better night at Anfield?
So many good displays vs Qarabag
Liverpool FC v Qarabag FK - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
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Liverpool player ratings vs Qarabag
Alisson Becker – 6
Alisson could have taken the night off — faced one tame shot on target.
Jeremie Frimpong – N/A
It was heartbreak for Frimpong in the opening minutes, forced off with an apparent hamstring injury. Bad news for him, even more so for FSG. Liverpool need to sign a right-back in the coming days.
Jeremie Frimpong goes off injured during Liverpool vs Qarabag
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Ryan Gravenberch – 6
Gravenberch had to fill in at centre-back, give the number of injuries Liverpool are dealing with. He did well.
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Virgil van Dijk – 6
Busier in the opposition box than his own. Was instrumental to the opener.
Andy Robertson – 7
Robertson’s Liverpool future is still up in the air, but that didn’t affect his performance. He had a hand in Wirtz’s goal. Great stuff.
Alexis Mac Allister – 8
That Champions League brace was much-needed for the Argentine’s confidence. In the right place at the right time.
FBL-EUR-C1-LIVERPOOL-QARABAG
Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6
Szoboszlai had the opportunity to make Liverpool history with a fourth consecutive goal in Europe, but Slot didn’t give him that chance. He was taken off just after 70, having played every minute in the league phase to that point.
Florian Wirtz – 8
It’s now five goals in nine games for Wirtz. He truly has arrived, and might already be Liverpool’s best player.
Mohamed Salah – 7
The first half was the Salah we have seen since his return from AFCON, but the second half was a more familiar version of the Egyptian. His free-kick was converted with poise and finesse and he could have had a few assists too. Hopefully a catalyst for an upturn in form.
Hugo Ekitike – 7
A well-taken goal, and another assist to his fellow Bundesliga signing. Wirtz and Ekitike are the real deal.
Is Hugo Ekitike the most exciting attacking prospect Liverpool have had since Kenny Dalglish?
Hugo Ekitike and Kenny Dalglish are the only players to score in five competitions during their first campaigns at Liverpool 🙌
Hugo Ekitike smiles after Eintracht Frankfurt win. Kenny Dalglish on the pitch for Liverpool FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League
Credit: Liverpool FC/James Baylis/AMA/Getty Images
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Cody Gakpo – 6
A frustrating night for Gakpo, but a better performance than we’ve seen from him recently. You could tell he was desperate for a goal, but it wasn’t to be.
Substitutions
Wataru Endo – 6
Endo showed himself to be a capable right-back, but not what we want to be doing on a regular basis.
Rio Ngumoha – 4
Decision-making from the youngster left a bit to be desired. Slowed Liverpool’s progress on a couple of occasions trying to take on his man.
Do you think it’s time for Arne Slot to start trusting Rio Ngumoha more?
Aldo reckons he would solve our predictability issue…
John Aldridge on Rio Ngumoha
John Aldridge on Rio Ngumoha
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Trey Nyoni – 6
Nyoni looked more than comfortable in the engine room.
Federico Chiesa – 6
Everyone inside Anfield was smiling when Chiesa got his goal, Liverpool’s sixth.
Amara Nallo – 5
No red card. That’s a win for the young centre-back. Jokes aside, he was solid.
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