Liverpool enjoyed a rare night of comfort as they returned to form in the Champions League, giving both Arne Slot and Mohamed Salah a much-needed boost.
The Reds’ Premier League season has been shaky, putting extra pressure on Slot after he won the title in his first season. Salah’s public complaint in December, saying he had been “thrown under the bus” after being dropped, added to the unrest.
But in Europe, Liverpool looked much more at home. Their 6-0 win over Qarabag secured automatic qualification for the last 16, showing that Champions League nights at Anfield still suit them. While this team may not look like favorites for the trophy right now, they are always dangerous in knockout games.
This match gave Slot and Salah a rare comfortable win this season. It was Slot’s biggest win as Liverpool manager in 91 games, and their biggest since the 7-0 win over Manchester United in March 2023. Even so, there was a small setback as summer signing Jeremie Frimpong got injured almost immediately.
For Salah, it was a milestone 80th Champions League appearance for Liverpool, equaling Jamie Carragher’s club record. He scored from a clever free-kick in the 50th minute, ending an eight-game goal drought and giving him a moment to celebrate in front of the Kop. After the game, he thanked the fans, enjoying a rare night of joy in a tough season.
Slot said he was pleased with the performance but knows there’s room for improvement. Despite struggles in the league, Liverpool’s history in the Champions League gives them a chance to add more silverware this season.
