Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool booked their place in the Champions League last 16 with a commanding 6-0 victory over Qarabag at Anfield. Alexis Mac Allister scored twice, with Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa also on the scoresheet as the Reds secured third place in the league phase and eased the pressure on Arne Slot.
The night was not without concern, however, as Jeremie Frimpong was forced off early to deepen Liverpool’s defensive injury woes, leaving two midfielders in the back line.
Qarabag’s open approach played into Liverpool’s hands. Mac Allister and Wirtz had the hosts two up midway through the first half, before Salah curled in a free-kick early in the second.
Ekitike added a stunning fourth from inside his own half, Mac Allister walked in a fifth, and Chiesa completed the rout after being set up by Virgil van Dijk late on.
The mood at Anfield was celebratory at full time, with Liverpool’s European campaign firmly alive. The Reds will face Club Brugge, Galatasaray, Juventus or Atletico Madrid in the last 16.
A club statement read: “Arne Slot’s side will be seeded and face one of the following sides who advance from the play-offs: Atletico Madrid, Club Brugge, Galatasaray, Juventus. That quartet are set to be drawn against each other in Friday’s knockout play-off draw and then meet next month.
“The two-legged last-16 ties are scheduled to be played on March 10/11 and March 17/18. Liverpool – as a seeded qualifier – will host the second leg of their tie at Anfield in principle.”
Arne Slot lost Frimpong to a suspected hamstring strain, having already deployed midfielder Ryan Gravenberch at centre-back. Ibrahima Konate missed the match for personal reasons, while Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley were sidelined with injuries.
Read more: Liverpool dealt Jeremie Frimpong injury blow vs Qarabag
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