UCL: Salah ends drought as Liverpool cruise into last 16 with six-goal thriller

Mohamed Salah marked his return to the scoresheet as Liverpool delivered a commanding display to thrash Qarabag and secure automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16.

Liverpool took control early, opening the scoring after 15 minutes when Alexis Mac Allister headed home from a corner, with goal-line technology confirming the ball had crossed despite Qarabag goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski’s efforts.

Florian Wirtz doubled the lead six minutes later with a precise low finish as Arne Slot’s side imposed themselves on the contest.

Salah sparkles amid easing tensions

Salah added Liverpool’s third shortly after the break, curling a superb free-kick into the top corner after being fouled on the edge of the area.

It was his first goal since November and came after a turbulent spell that included public criticism of Slot, his omission from the team, and Africa Cup of Nations duty.

Rout completed in second half

Liverpool ran riot thereafter. Hugo Ekitike made it four after breaking clear, before Mac Allister tapped in his second from close range following defensive chaos.

Substitute Federico Chiesa completed the scoring late on with a simple finish from Virgil van Dijk’s pass.

Only setback amid progress

The only blemish on an otherwise flawless night was an early injury to Jeremie Frimpong, forced off inside two minutes.

Still, the emphatic win offered welcome respite from Liverpool’s domestic struggles and restored confidence ahead of the knockout stages.