Liverpool's German midfielder #07 Florian Wirtz celebrates scoring the team's second goal with Liverpool's French striker #22 Hugo Ekitike (2R) during the UEFA Champions League football match between Liverpool and Qarabag at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 28, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike after the pair combined to score Liverpool's second goal in their 6-0 Champions League win at home to Qarabag
Liverpool secured third place in the Champions League final table with a 6-0 rout at home against Azerbaijan champions Qarabag on Wednesday evening. Alexis Mac Allister scored twice while Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and substitute Federico Chiesa also netted as the Reds notched their biggest win under Arne Slot.
The result means Slot's side have progressed directly to the last 16 of the knockout stages, where they will face Club Brugge, Galatasaray, Juventus or Atletico Madrid, without the need for negotiating the play-off round next month.
The ECHO was in attendance at Anfield and here we run the rule over the performance of the players.
Alisson Becker 7
Clutched one shot from Duran first half and dealt with the odd aerial threat, but not much to do second half.
Jeremie Frimpong N/A
Barely had chance of involvement when forced off with what appeared a hamstring injury. Subbed.
Ryan Gravenberch 7
Steady stuff as a stand-in centre-back, and only once forgot he wasn’t in midfield with a strong run forward. Ended game back in midfield.
Virgil van Dijk 8
Assumed much of the defensive responsibility with a couple of good clearing headers and could claim three assists. Real attacking threat from set-pieces.
Andy Robertson 7
Provided a decent attacking outlet down the left and pass forward initiated second. Enjoyed himself against limited opponents.
Dominik Szoboszlai 8
No real need to quell his forward instincts despite playing in a defensive midfield role and got stuck in while not afraid to shoot. Corner caused problems for opener, assisted third and had key part in fifth. Subbed.
Alexis Mac Allister 7
Didn’t always look the quickest in the midfield race early on but did more than enough and in right place to head in opener and tap in the fifth.
Mohamed Salah 7
Much of opening half-hour saw his radar not quite working but began to find his mark ahead of interval and much better second-half showing culminating in excellent free-kick goal.
Florian Wirtz 8
Excellent pressing prompted one chance and always looked lively, and tucked away second goal impressively. Such a good player. Subbed.
Cody Gakpo 7
Lots of hard work and signs of understanding with Robertson and Ekitike but a little too predictable when cutting inside but improved after half-time and denied goal by fine save. Subbed.
Hugo Ekitike 9
Excellent first-half showing full of pace, purpose and pressing and did so well to create the second before superb individual effort for Liverpool's fourth. Subbed.
SUBS
Wataru Endo (for Frimpong 4) 7
Kept things simple coming in as an emergency right-back for the stricken Frimpong and impressed as consequence.
Rio Ngumoha (for Wirtz 67) 7
Enthused the crowd with a couple of good runs but understandably still raw as a 17-year-old.
Trey Nyoni (for Ekitike 67) 7
Slotted into an attacking midfield role to good effect.
Federico Chiesa (for Gakpo 74) 7
Tucked away a nice finish to cap a crowd-pleasing outing.
Amara Nallo (for Szoboszlai 74) 6
Took important step in his career by avoiding three red cards in his first three senior outings.