Clinical Performance Ensures Crucial Victory
Liverpool produced a strong away performance to defeat Marseille 3-0 at the Stade Vélodrome and climb to fourth in the Champions League table. Arne Slot’s team started the match outside the top eight but this result significantly improves their chances of qualifying directly for the round of 16 without playoffs.
Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time with a clever free-kick curled under the wall putting his recent penalty miss against Burnley firmly behind him. The second goal arrived when Jeremie Frimpong beat his marker in the box and delivered a cut-back that Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli diverted into his own net.
Substitute Cody Gakpo sealed the victory late on with a precise finish from Ryan Gravenberch’s pass. Mohamed Salah started for the first time since December’s controversial interview and played the full 90 minutes though he missed a good chance when he skewed wide after being set up by Gakpo.
Marseille created several opportunities with Hugo Ekitike hitting the post but Alisson remained solid as Liverpool controlled most of the game.
Slot Praises Professionalism and Team Resilience
Arne Slot highlighted the difficulty of the venue due to the passionate fans and Marseille’s quality but said his team had to be really good and delivered. He noted that in their last 14 unbeaten games Liverpool have only trailed for 54 minutes total showing strong defensive resilience.
On Salah’s return after AFCON duty Slot praised his professionalism saying it speaks volumes that he stayed fit during a month away and played the full match. Salah came close to scoring but the three goals ensured the result was not affected.
Szoboszlai Emerges as Key Figure
Szoboszlai took responsibility for the free-kick despite Salah’s presence confidently stepping up and scoring his fourth Champions League goal this season plus three assists. He has now directly contributed to goals in five straight European matches.
Steven Gerrard praised Szoboszlai’s confidence noting most players would defer to Salah but he asserted himself. Szoboszlai has taken over set-piece duties since Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure and continues to deliver in big moments.
The win is only Liverpool’s second in six games across all competitions but puts them in a strong position. They need at least a draw against Qarabag at home next week to secure top-eight status though a victory could even clinch a top-four finish for home advantage in knockout ties.
Opta stats underline Szoboszlai’s impact as the first Liverpool player to score multiple free-kicks in a season since Alexander-Arnold in 2022/23.
