For Liverpool and their faithful fans, the atmosphere suddenly feels revitalized. With a commanding 3-0 triumph over Marseille at the iconic Stade Velodrome, Arne Slot’s side catapulted themselves from a precarious 11th spot to the Champions League’s coveted top four.
Whispers of doubt had surrounded the team after recent inconsistencies, but the narrative shifted dramatically under the French night sky. While Marseille, now 19th and desperately clinging to a slender play-off chance, mustered some defiance, Liverpool’s clinical execution left little to chance in this high-stakes fixture.
Szoboszlai’s magic and Rulli’s misfortune
Football often hinges on the blink of an eye—a single set-piece, an inspired run, or a twist of fortune. Dominik Szoboszlai provided the spark, firing Liverpool ahead in first-half stoppage time with a cunning low free-kick that exploited Marseille’s poorly organized wall. Szoboszlai’s strike wasn’t just his second free-kick goal of the campaign—it also made him the first Red since Trent Alexander-Arnold (2022-23) to net multiple free-kicks in a single season.
Marseille’s evening unraveled further through a moment of misfortune: Jeremie Frimpong’s driven cross, intended for the heart of the box, ricocheted off a hapless Geronimo Rulli and trickled home. Rulli may have wished for invisibility in that second—he became the first goalkeeper ever to score an own goal against Liverpool in Champions League history. Yet, the visitors showed no mercy.
Salah’s influence and Gakpo’s composure
One name always resonates loudly at Liverpool—Mohamed Salah. After a month-long Africa Cup of Nations stint and a well-publicized row with Slot, Salah nearly announced his Anfield return with a cheeky flicked effort in the first half. The anticipation in his play hinted at something spectacular, even if his finishing touch eluded him on this occasion.
But Liverpool’s depth shone through. Substitute Cody Gakpo coolly slotted home in stoppage time, using his first touch to steady himself before dispatching a tidy shot past a beleaguered Rulli. It was Gakpo’s second European goal this term, and the finish wrapped up a professional, measured display.
Key stats from the night highlight Liverpool’s ruthless efficiency:
- Just 3 shots on target, 3 goals—a lesson in clinical finishing.
- xG (expected goals) of 1.49, showing high-quality chance creation.
- Four successive Champions League wins against Marseille.
For Marseille, Hugo Ekitike’s disallowed goal (VAR offside) and a rejected penalty appeal summed up a night of frustration. Hamed Traore’s thunderous effort against the crossbar was as close as De Zerbi’s side came, with the final whistle confirming their xG at 0.88.
Turning points—controversies, near misses, and the road ahead
The drama of the Champions League always delivers, and this clash was no exception. There were moments to debate: Ekitike’s offside goal (a close VAR call), Liverpool’s denied penalty after Geoffrey Kondogbia’s handball, and edge-of-your-seat counterattacks from both sides.
For Liverpool, the victory is more than numbers on a scoreboard—it’s a testament to resilience and adaptation under pressure, a statement as the knockout rounds loom. For Marseille, the defeat is a sobering lesson in fine margins and the fickle nature of European glory.
As we approach the final round of matches, the group dynamics have shifted dramatically. Liverpool are now in a position of promise, momentum on their side and the ghosts of December seemingly behind them. Supporters cannot help but wonder—could this be the spark that ignites another memorable Champions League journey? For Marseille, the dream hangs by a thread; their response in the next fixture will be a test of character and ambition.