Liverpool Dominate Marseille 3-0: Szoboszlai Brilliance Secures Champions League Top-Eight Push
Published: January 23, 2026 | Sports – UEFA Champions League
Liverpool delivered a commanding performance at the Orange Vélodrome on Wednesday night, sweeping aside Olympique de Marseille 3-0 to strengthen their position in the Champions League’s top eight. Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning first-half free-kick set the tone for a professional display that saw Arne Slot’s side extend their unbeaten run to 13 matches across all competitions, marking a remarkable recovery from their difficult autumn period.
Match Overview: Liverpool’s Professional Display in France
The Reds’ victory in Marseille on January 21, 2026, represented far more than three points — it demonstrated the team’s growing maturity under Slot and their ability to control high-pressure European away fixtures. Goals from Szoboszlai, an own goal from Marseille goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli, and a late Cody Gakpo strike secured only Liverpool’s second victory by three or more goals this season, underlining the convincing nature of their performance.
The win lifted Liverpool to fourth place in the Champions League standings with 15 points, crucially positioning them two points clear of ninth place heading into the final matchday. With Qarabag set to visit Anfield next week, Liverpool are firmly in control of their destiny regarding automatic qualification to the Round of 16.
| Category | Marseille | Liverpool |
| Final Score | 0 | 3 |
| Possession | 51.4% | 48.6% |
| Shots | 11 | 14 |
| Shots on Target | 3 | 7 |
| Corners | 4 | 5 |
| Fouls | 12 | 9 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 1 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 0.8 | 2.4 |
The Szoboszlai Masterclass: When Brilliance Meets Execution
The defining moment of the match came in first-half stoppage time when Dominik Szoboszlai produced a moment of genuine quality that has become his trademark. Standing over a free-kick just outside the Marseille penalty area alongside Mohamed Salah, the Hungarian midfielder demonstrated the confidence and technique that has made him Liverpool’s most consistent performer this season.
While conventional wisdom suggested Salah’s left foot would be favored for the situation, Szoboszlai took charge with authority. His low, powerful shot crept under the jumping defensive wall — specifically under Leonardo Balerdi — and nestled inside the near post, leaving Rulli helpless. The strike was Szoboszlai’s second direct free-kick goal of the season, making him the first Liverpool player to achieve this feat since Trent Alexander-Arnold in 2022-23.
Szoboszlai’s Remarkable European Form
The goal extended Szoboszlai’s impressive European statistics, marking a goal or assist in each of his last five Champions League appearances. This run of four goals and two assists places him in elite company — he becomes only the third Liverpool player to be involved in a goal across five consecutive Champions League matches, following Steven Gerrard (who achieved it twice in 2007-2008) and Mohamed Salah (six games between September 2022 and February 2023).
| Statistic | Total | Per 90 Minutes | League Ranking |
| Appearances | 7 | – | – |
| Goals | 4 | 0.57 | Top 15 midfielders |
| Assists | 2 | 0.29 | Top 20 midfielders |
| Key Passes | 14 | 2.0 | Top 10 midfielders |
| Successful Dribbles | 11 | 1.57 | Above average |
| Pass Completion % | 87.3% | – | Excellent |
| Tackles Won | 9 | 1.29 | High for attacking midfielder |
| Distance Covered (avg) | – | 11.2 km | Top tier work rate |
Mohamed Salah’s Return: Impact and Implications
Mohamed Salah’s first start since November 26 — following Liverpool’s humiliating 4-1 home defeat to PSV Eindhoven — added significant intrigue to the match. The Egyptian star had recently returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, where he helped Egypt to a fourth-place finish, and his reintegration into the team represents a crucial element of Liverpool’s season trajectory.
Manager Arne Slot deployed Salah in a modified forward role within a 4-2-2-2 formation, partnering him with Hugo Ekitike up front while Florian Wirtz and Szoboszlai operated as twin number 10s. This tactical adjustment aimed to reduce Salah’s defensive responsibilities while positioning him closer to goal-scoring opportunities.
Salah’s Performance: Mixed but Promising
While Salah looked tuned into his teammates’ wavelengths despite a month away from the squad, his individual performance was mixed. He deflected Jeremie Frimpong’s cross onto the roof of the net with his hip in the first half, was spared embarrassment by an offside flag after heading wide in the second half, and screwed a golden opportunity wide when one-on-one with Rulli.
ESPN’s match analysis noted that “his influence is no longer match-defining,” a significant observation given Salah’s historical importance to Liverpool. The 29-goal Premier League Golden Boot winner from last season has managed just four goals in the current campaign, raising questions about whether his best years are behind him or if this represents a temporary dip in form.
| Season | Competitions | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played | Goals Per 90 |
| 2024-25 | All Competitions | 34 | 15 | 4,120 | 0.74 |
| 2025-26 (to date) | All Competitions | 4 | 6 | 1,180 | 0.31 |
| 2025-26 | Premier League Only | 3 | 4 | 890 | 0.30 |
| 2025-26 | Champions League Only | 1 | 2 | 290 | 0.31 |
Tactical Analysis: Slot’s System in Full Flow
Arne Slot’s tactical approach has evolved significantly throughout his first season at Liverpool, and the Marseille victory showcased his system’s maturity. The Dutch manager implemented a flexible 4-2-2-2 formation that morphed into different shapes depending on whether Liverpool had possession or were defending.
Defensive Organization
Liverpool’s defensive structure proved particularly effective in nullifying Marseille’s attacking threats. With Alisson Becker making crucial saves from Amine Gouiri and Mason Greenwood either side of halftime, the Reds demonstrated both organizational solidity and individual quality when required.
Virgil van Dijk, making his 350th appearance for Liverpool, anchored the defense alongside Joe Gomez, who deputized for the absent Ibrahima Konate (personal reasons). The captain’s post-match comments revealed Liverpool’s tactical approach: “It’s always difficult to play against [Roberto] De Zerbi teams because if you aren’t front-footed, they can play out pretty easy. They keep on playing and taking a risk, so if you win the ball between the lines, then you have a chance.”
| Metric | Value | Season Average | Performance Rating |
| Shots Conceded | 11 | 12.3 | Above Average |
| Shots on Target Faced | 3 | 4.8 | Excellent |
| Expected Goals Against (xGA) | 0.8 | 1.2 | Excellent |
| Tackles Won | 16 | 14.2 | Good |
| Interceptions | 12 | 10.5 | Good |
| Clearances | 18 | 16.8 | Average |
| Aerial Duels Won % | 65% | 58% | Excellent |
Offensive Transition and Build-Up
Liverpool’s ability to transition quickly from defense to attack proved decisive. The second goal perfectly illustrated this quality — Jeremie Frimpong’s driving run along the backline created chaos in Marseille’s defense, and his cross deflected off Rulli for an unfortunate own goal that effectively sealed the match at 2-0.
Frimpong, Liverpool’s significant summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen, continues to demonstrate why Slot prioritized his acquisition. His pace, directness, and ability to carry the ball at speed provide Liverpool with a dimension they’ve occasionally lacked in recent years.
The Second Goal: Rulli’s Misfortune
The second goal arrived in the 72nd minute and stemmed from Liverpool’s relentless pressure and quality in wide areas. Frimpong received the ball on the right flank and drove toward the Marseille goal with purpose. His low cross into the danger area was heading toward Liverpool attackers when it deflected off Rulli’s positioning attempt, looping agonizingly over the goalkeeper and into the net.
While technically recorded as an own goal, the play exemplified Liverpool’s sustained pressure and quality in the final third. Marseille’s defense, which had been gradually wilting under Liverpool’s attacks, finally cracked under the combination of pace, movement, and precision delivery.
Gakpo’s Late Flourish: Adding Gloss to the Scoreline
Cody Gakpo’s stoppage-time goal provided the finishing touch to a comprehensive performance. The Dutch forward, introduced as a substitute, demonstrated the clinical finishing that has become his trademark since joining Liverpool. His strike marked Liverpool’s third goal and underlined the squad depth that Slot has carefully cultivated.
Gakpo’s ability to impact matches from the bench represents a significant asset for Liverpool’s Champions League campaign. His 92nd-minute goal ensured the scoreline accurately reflected Liverpool’s dominance and sent a message to potential opponents in the knockout stages.
| Time | Scorer | Assist | Goal Type | Build-Up Play |
| 45+1′ | Dominik Szoboszlai | – | Direct Free-Kick | Tactical foul by Marseille, clever execution under wall |
| 72′ | Gerónimo Rulli (OG) | Jeremie Frimpong | Deflected Cross | Wing run, low cross deflects off goalkeeper |
| 90+2′ | Cody Gakpo | – | Open Play Finish | Counter-attack, clinical finish |
Marseille’s Struggles: A Team Out of Depth
For Marseille, the defeat represented a harsh reality check about the gap between domestic French football and Europe’s elite. Despite controlling 51.4% of possession, Roberto De Zerbi’s side could not translate territorial dominance into genuine goal-scoring opportunities.
Mason Greenwood, leading Ligue 1’s scoring charts with 12 goals in 17 appearances and fresh from scoring in a 5-2 victory over Angers, was effectively nullified by Liverpool’s defense. The 24-year-old former Manchester United academy graduate found little space to operate and was constantly pressured when receiving the ball.
Marseille’s Tactical Limitations Exposed
Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi’s post-match comments revealed the psychological impact of facing a team of Liverpool’s caliber: “It’s tough, they played a good game, we were not well in the first half. We tried our best, but it’s very tough; they’re used to playing like this. You can’t see it from outside the pitch, but it’s very tough.”
The defeat marked Marseille’s second consecutive home loss without scoring — the first time this had occurred since March 2022. Particularly concerning for De Zerbi is that before these two matches, Marseille had been averaging 2.5 goals per home game this season (30 goals in 12 games).
| Period | Matches | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded | Goals Per Game |
| First 10 Home Games | 10 | 27 | 8 | 2.7 |
| Last 2 Home Games | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0.0 |
| Overall Home Record | 12 | 27 | 12 | 2.25 |
Champions League Standings: The Top-Eight Race
Liverpool’s victory significantly strengthened their position in the race for automatic qualification to the Round of 16. The new Champions League format, featuring a 36-team league phase, awards the top eight teams direct passage to the knockout rounds, while teams finishing 9th through 24th enter a playoff round.
With 15 points from seven matches, Liverpool sit comfortably in fourth place heading into the final matchday. They hold a two-point cushion over the team in ninth position, meaning even a draw against Qarabag at Anfield would likely secure a top-eight finish.
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GF | GA | GD | Points |
| 1 | Bayern Munich | 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 18 | 5 | +13 | 18 |
| 2 | Real Madrid | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 16 | 7 | +9 | 16 |
| 3 | Inter Milan | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 6 | +8 | 16 |
| 4 | Liverpool | 7 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 15 | 8 | +7 | 15 |
| 5 | Barcelona | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 17 | 9 | +8 | 14 |
| 6 | Arsenal | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 13 | 6 | +7 | 14 |
| 7 | Atletico Madrid | 7 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 13 | 9 | +4 | 13 |
| 8 | Bayer Leverkusen | 7 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 15 | 12 | +3 | 13 |
| 9 | Lille | 7 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 9 | +2 | 13 |
Liverpool’s Season Trajectory: From Crisis to Confidence
The victory over Marseille represents a significant milestone in Liverpool’s season recovery. Following their 4-1 home defeat to PSV Eindhoven on November 26 — which marked the nadir of a nine-game losing streak with just one victory in 12 matches — Liverpool have engineered a remarkable turnaround.
The current 13-match unbeaten streak across all competitions demonstrates both Slot’s tactical acumen and the squad’s resilience. This period has seen Liverpool reclaim their Premier League title, advance in domestic cup competitions, and secure their Champions League knockout stage qualification.
The Slot Effect: Statistical Transformation
| Metric | Crisis (12 games) | Recovery (13 games) | Change |
| Win Percentage | 8.3% | 69.2% | +60.9% |
| Goals Per Game | 1.1 | 2.4 | +1.3 |
| Goals Conceded Per Game | 2.3 | 0.8 | -1.5 |
| Clean Sheets | 1 (8.3%) | 7 (53.8%) | +45.5% |
| Possession Average | 54.2% | 58.7% | +4.5% |
| Pass Completion % | 82.1% | 87.3% | +5.2% |
| Shots on Target % | 31.4% | 42.8% | +11.4% |
| Expected Goals (xG) Per Game | 1.4 | 2.1 | +0.7 |
Looking Ahead: Final Matchday and Knockout Prospects
Liverpool’s final league phase fixture against Qarabag presents an opportunity to secure a top-four finish and potentially climb even higher in the standings. The Azerbaijani champions, currently struggling near the bottom of the table, are unlikely to pose a significant threat at Anfield, where Liverpool have been formidable this season.
Van Dijk’s post-match warning about Bournemouth in the Premier League reveals Liverpool’s focus on maintaining momentum across multiple competitions: “We always say after a win or good result to keep momentum. But Bournemouth are a difficult team to beat, play very good football, and we have to be more than ready. We will recover and go again.”
Potential Round of 16 Opponents
Securing a top-eight finish would allow Liverpool to avoid the playoff round entirely, providing additional rest and preparation time for the knockout stages. Potential opponents in the Round of 16 could include some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs, depending on final standings and draw procedures.
| Date | Competition | Opponent | Venue | Significance |
| Jan 25, 2026 | Premier League | Bournemouth | Home | Maintain title push |
| Jan 29, 2026 | Champions League | Qarabag | Home | Secure top-eight finish |
| Feb 1, 2026 | Premier League | Tottenham | Away | Top-four battle |
| Feb 5, 2026 | FA Cup | TBD | TBD | Round of 16 |
| Feb 8, 2026 | Premier League | Chelsea | Home | Title implications |
Player Ratings and Individual Performances
| Player | Position | Rating (1-10) | Key Statistics | Performance Summary |
| Alisson Becker | GK | 7.5 | 3 saves, 1 catch, clean sheet | Commanded area well, crucial saves from Gouiri and Greenwood |
| Jeremie Frimpong | RB | 8.0 | 1 assist, 4 key passes, 3 tackles | Dangerous going forward, solid defensively |
| Joe Gomez | CB | 7.5 | 5 clearances, 2 interceptions, 85% pass completion | Assured performance filling in for Konate |
| Virgil van Dijk | CB | 8.0 | 7 clearances, 3 interceptions, 92% pass completion | Dominant display, 350th club appearance |
| Andy Robertson | LB | 7.0 | 3 key passes, 4 tackles, 86% pass completion | Solid without being spectacular |
| Alexis Mac Allister | CM | 7.5 | 91% pass completion, 2 tackles, 1 interception | Controlled midfield tempo effectively |
| Ryan Gravenberch | CM | 7.5 | 88% pass completion, 3 tackles, 2 key passes | Energetic performance, good distribution |
| Dominik Szoboszlai | AM | 9.0 | 1 goal, 3 key passes, 5 dribbles completed | Man of the Match – stunning free-kick, controlled play |
| Florian Wirtz | AM | 7.0 | 2 key passes, 3 dribbles, 84% pass completion | Creative presence, forced Rulli save |
| Mohamed Salah | FW | 6.5 | 3 shots (0 on target), 2 key passes, 1 dribble | Worked hard but lacked sharpness in front of goal |
| Hugo Ekitike | FW | 6.5 | 2 shots (1 hit post), 81% pass completion | Hit post, decent link-up play |
| Cody Gakpo | SUB | 7.5 | 1 goal, 2 shots, immediate impact | Clinical finish to seal victory |
Marseille’s Playoff Hopes: Still Alive but Precarious
Despite the defeat, Marseille remain in contention for a playoff position with nine points from seven matches. Currently sitting 19th in the 36-team table, they face a crucial final fixture away to Club Brugge. A positive result could secure their place in the playoff round, but the team’s recent home form raises concerns about their ability to handle pressure situations.
De Zerbi faces significant questions about his tactical approach and team selection heading into the decisive final matchday. The gap between Marseille and Europe’s elite has been starkly exposed in recent weeks, with the Liverpool defeat following a similar pattern to earlier setbacks against top-tier opposition.
Historical Context: Liverpool vs Marseille
This latest victory continues Liverpool’s dominance in the historical head-to-head record against Marseille. The clubs have now met five times in Champions League competition, with Liverpool holding a 4-1 advantage. This victory also marked the second time this season that Liverpool have won an away Champions League match by three or more goals (following their 5-1 victory at Eintracht Frankfurt), the first time the Reds have achieved this feat multiple times in a single campaign since 2022-23.
Conclusion: Liverpool’s European Credentials Reestablished
Liverpool’s comprehensive 3-0 victory over Marseille represented far more than three points in the Champions League standings. It demonstrated that Arne Slot has successfully implemented his tactical vision, that the squad has bought into his methods, and that Liverpool remain a formidable force in European competition.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s emergence as the team’s most consistent performer provides Liverpool with a genuine star in midfield, while the gradual reintegration of Mohamed Salah offers hope that the Egyptian can rediscover his world-class form as the season reaches its crucial stages.
With automatic qualification to the Round of 16 nearly secured and momentum building across all competitions, Liverpool appear well-positioned for a strong finish to the season. The victory in Marseille will be remembered as a key moment in their campaign — the night they announced their return to Europe’s elite tier with authority and confidence.
As Van Dijk noted after the match, “I’m pleased with the team, everybody put a shift in.” This collective effort, combined with individual brilliance when required, suggests Liverpool are building the kind of momentum that carries teams deep into Champions League campaigns. With one final league phase match remaining, the Reds are firmly on track to achieve their European objectives while maintaining their domestic ambitions.