Mohamed Salah among scorers as Liverpool cruise into Champions League last 16
Liverpool cruised into the Champions League last 16 with a demolition of Qarabag at Anfield, Arne Slot’s side securing progression from the group stage. Mohamed Salah was among the scorers for the first time since accusing Liverpool of “throwing him under the bus”, and Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitiké and substitute Federico Chiesa also found the net.
Slot said his team were enjoying life with “a few margaritas in the Champions League” despite having to “stomach ‘a very bad cocktail’” of problems in the Premier League. The evening began with a setback when Jeremie Frimpong pulled up in the second minute and was withdrawn; Slot could only confirm the full back had suffered a muscle injury.
Frimpong’s exit left Liverpool short of recognised defensive options, with Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson and Milos Kerkez the only fit, recognised defenders available, although Slot said he is hopeful Ibrahima Konaté will return from compassionate leave against Newcastle on Saturday and that Joe Gomez could also be back.
The goals came from set-piece and open play: Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner flicked off Kevin Medina and van Dijk met it at the back post for Mac Allister to nod the ball over the line; Ekitiké turned and squared for Wirtz; Szoboszlai’s back-heel set up Salah; Ekitiké later finished a long clearance; Mac Allister added a second after Matheus Silva miscontrolled a Szoboszlai pass; and Chiesa completed the rout after van Dijk surged forward.
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