Liverpool secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Marseille in the Champions League, boosting their chances of a top-eight finish. Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring with a clever free-kick, followed by an own goal and a late strike from Cody Gakpo. Mohamed Salah returned to the starting lineup for his first start since November.
Liverpool delivered a dominant performance against Marseille at the Stade Velodrome, winning 3-0 in their Champions League league-phase encounter. The result propelled Arne Slot's side up to fourth in the standings with 15 points, positioning them strongly for direct qualification to the last 16 ahead of their final match against Qarabag.
The game began with Liverpool asserting early control, creating several openings through the width provided by Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. The breakthrough came in first-half injury time when Dominik Szoboszlai displayed brilliance, rolling a free-kick under the Marseille wall to beat goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli and give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Marseille mounted a spirited response after the break, with Alisson Becker denying Mason Greenwood and watching Hamed Traore miss a clear chance. However, Liverpool extended their advantage in the 72nd minute through an unfortunate own goal by Rulli, whose deflection off a Jeremie Frimpong cutback sealed the second goal.
Substitute Cody Gakpo put the match beyond doubt with the final action, curling a low right-footed shot into the far corner in the 92nd minute, assisted by Ryan Gravenberch. Mohamed Salah, starting for the first time since November after the Africa Cup of Nations, contributed to Liverpool's all-round display despite missing a late opportunity.
Virgil van Dijk marked his 350th appearance for the club, partnering Joe Gomez at center-back in place of the absent Ibrahima Konate. Marseille, under Roberto De Zerbi, struggled to break down a resolute Liverpool defense, extending the Reds' unbeaten run to 13 games.
Pre-match, De Zerbi urged his players to 'honor' the packed stadium, where fans unveiled a Beatles-themed tifo referencing a 2004 Uefa Cup clash. Slot praised Salah's return, noting its importance on a crucial night. This win, echoing Liverpool's previous Champions League triumphs in Marseille in 2007 and 2008, keeps their knockout aspirations firmly on track.
