Liverpool defeated Marseille 3-0 in the Champions League at the Stade Velodrome, extending their unbeaten run to 13 matches across all competitions. Dominik Szoboszlai's clever free-kick, an own goal by goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, and a late strike from Cody Gakpo secured the victory, boosting the Reds' hopes for a top-eight finish. Manager Arne Slot praised his players but highlighted ongoing consistency issues against defensive setups.
Liverpool traveled to the Stade Velodrome for a crucial Champions League league-phase match against Marseille on January 21, 2026. The Reds, under manager Arne Slot, started strongly with Mohamed Salah returning to the lineup after the Africa Cup of Nations. Early chances included Alexis Mac Allister's shot just wide and Salah's flick over the bar. Hugo Ekitike had a goal disallowed for offside after latching onto Szoboszlai's cross.
The first half ended with Liverpool taking the lead in injury time. After Ryan Gravenberch was fouled on the edge of the box, Szoboszlai stepped up for a free-kick. He fired a low shot under the jumping Marseille wall, catching Geronimo Rulli off guard and nestling it into the bottom corner.
In the second half, Marseille pushed forward. Alisson saved Mason Greenwood's long-range effort, and Ekitike hit the bar shortly before the hour mark. Hamed Traore blazed over on a counter. Liverpool extended their lead when Jeremie Frimpong's cut-back deflected off Rulli into his own net. Salah missed a late chance by scuffing wide when through on goal, but substitute Gakpo finished neatly after an incisive move to make it 3-0.
The win moved Liverpool to fourth in the 36-team table, enhancing their chances of automatic qualification to the knockout phase. Slot hailed the performance: “It’s a tricky place to go because of their fans, their players, their manager. I thought we were good.” He added on consistency: “We have struggled against low block but every time we have faced a team that wants to play, wants to press, we have played well.” Marseille, managed by Roberto De Zerbi, remain competitive at home but couldn't break their 30-game streak without a draw against Liverpool.
Next, Liverpool face Bournemouth in the Premier League.
