Liverpool thrashed Qarabag 6-0 at Anfield to secure their place in the Champions League last 16, but the UK's media highlighted the injury crisis and potential need for defensive reinforcements
Paul Gorst Liverpool FC correspondent and James Findlater Content Editor
11:34, 29 Jan 2026
Arne Slot and Hugo Ekitike embrace during Liverpool's win over Qarabag
Arne Slot and Hugo Ekitike embrace during Liverpool's win over Qarabag(Image: Getty Images)
Arne Slot's most emphatic victory to date means Liverpool now face one of four potential opponents in the Champions League knockout stages.
A comprehensive 6-0 triumph over Qarabag at Anfield sets up a tie against one of Galatasaray, Atletico Madrid, Juventus or Club Brugge in the last-16, with next month's play-offs avoided after securing a top-eight finish in the league phase.
Alexis Mac Allister grabbed a brace, while Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa were also on the scoresheet as the Reds made light work of their final encounter in the first stage, although not everything went according to plan.
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Liverpool.com was on hand as usual to deliver its verdict from Anfield, and as ever, the UK's media was equally present to offer their expert assessments. Here's their take on proceedings (via the Liverpool Echo).
Writing in the Daily Mail, Lewis Steele observes: "From minute four to the final whistle, this went exactly how Arne Slot would have dreamt it when his head hit the pillow the previous night.
"Liverpool secured their safe passage to the last-16 of the Champions League without breaking a sweat, thrashing Qarabag 6-0.
"In doing so, and perhaps just as importantly, they managed to secure two midweeks off for their jaded team as they will not have to contest the stage some are calling the punishment play-offs.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike celebrates scoring his side's fifth goal with his team-mates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Liverpool FC and Qarabag FK at Anfield on January 28, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Liverpool's players celebrate during the 6-0 win over Qarabag
"Mohamed Salah was also back in the goals, his first for Liverpool since November 1 after a public fallout with the head coach and month away with Egypt. It was some goal, too.
"It ended up a tough night for the Azerbaijanis as the Premier League champions ran riot with Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Co also scoring and finding much-needed confidence.
"But despite all those positive points to note, it was what happened just before the rout commenced that would bug Slot in the coming days: yet another defender pulling up injured."
Paul Joyce of The Times writes: "So difficult has this season become that confirmation they will skip the play-off round next month was seized as something to celebrate for a head coach who has cast doubt on his squad’s ability to negotiate three games in a week.
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"When their European campaign resumes in March, Slot will hope the issues that compelled him to field Ryan Gravenberch at centre back, and led to Jeremie Frimpong limping off almost immediately, will have cleared and that a renewed push in the competition is possible.
"He (Slot) will also hope he is still at the tiller. Liverpool started the night in fourth place, and finished in third, but there was plenty riding on this tie for the Dutchman. Given the prolonged downturn in domestic results, Slot must show signs he can solve the problems 'in both boxes' to which he alluded on the eve of the game, if something positive is to be salvaged.
"What was emphasised here was given room in which to play, as Qarabag obligingly did, Liverpool can slip through the gears. Were they more inventive and ruthless? Yes. Were they more miserly? Yes. Did they play with intensity, hunting down opponents? At times. Did they entertain the crowd? Yes."
Liverpool's Dutch defender #30 Jeremie Frimpong leaves the pitch with an injury 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)
Jeremie Frimpong was forced off during Liverpool's win over Qarabag(Image: Getty Images)
Mike McGrath, writing for The Telegraph, reflects: "After spending more than £400m in the summer, it has been a quiet January for Liverpool but injury to Jeremie Frimpong has deepened their defensive injury crisis and only strengthened the argument for them to enter the transfer market.
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"They have a history of an emergency defensive signing at Anfield, with Steven Caulker’s loan coming out of the blue a decade ago. More recently, a shortage of centre-backs led them to move for Preston’s Ben Davies and Schalke’s Ozan Kabak in 2021.
"Alexis Mac Allister (twice), Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa scored the goals against Qarabag to secure a place in the Champions League last 16, but Arne Slot’s squad are being pushed to the limit. Can they progress further without reinforcements?"