For the first time since November, Egyptian forward, Mohamed Salah, found the back of the net for Liverpool as the Reds cruised through Qarabag FK by a whopping six (6) goals to zero (0) in the Uefa Champions League 2025/26 last League Phase match on Wednesday 28 January, 2026 at Anfield.
The fine victory means the English side have automatically progressed to the last 16 of the tournament.
The home win elevated the Reds, who have been under some pressure following their domestic woes in the Premier League.
Salah, whose country, Egypt, finished fourth in the recently concluded Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) 2025, after losing 2-4 to the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a penalty shootout, netted the third goal for Liverpool against the Azerbaijan Premier League side.
He scored last for Slot’s Reds in the match against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa in November, 2025; a game Liverpool won.
Fifteen (15) minutes into the game, Liverpool went in front after defender, Virgil Van Dijk, provided for Alexis Mac Allister, who headed home from a corner.
Assisted by Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz added the second for the home side in the 21st minute, and five (5) minutes into the second half, Salah scored to make it three.
After being fouled on the edge of the area, Salah curled in the free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai’s touch.
In the 57th and 61st minutes, Ekitike and Mac Allister added the fourth and fifth respectively for Liverpool; and Van Dijk turned provider again, this time for substitute, Federico Chiesa, who sealed up the victory for the hosts in the 90th minute.
On a night of celebration, Liverpool concluded the clash with one little dismay as Jeremie Frimpong picked up a muscle injury.
Slot alongside his boys have been under heightened pressure after losing to AFC Bournemouth 3-2 in the Premier League encounter last weekend. An outcome that placed a huge dent on their title defence.
However, the Champions League has been a ground to make up for the home disappointments, with the Reds scoring nine (9) goals in just two games – beating French Ligue side, Marseille, 3-0, and now Qarabag.
The triumph over Qarabag and straight qualification into the last 16 of the Champions League still does not take off the question marks that surround Slot’s position at Anfield, however, it attaches some good to the Dutchman’s self-confidence.
Liverpool’s next Showdown:
Next for Liverpool is Newcastle United; the Reds will slug it out with the Magpies on Saturday 31 January, 2026 at Anfield in the Premier League match at 21:00 (WAT).
Liverpool and Newcastle United are 6th and 9th on the standings with thirty-six (36) and thirty-three (33) points respectively after twenty-three (23) matches.
Photo: Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Qarabag | X/Liverpool FC
