Liverpool cruised into the last 16 of the Champions League for the second successive season with a 6-0 demolition of Qarabag at Anfield, securing third spot in the league phase and avoiding next month's two-legged playoff. Alexis Mac Allister struck twice, with Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and substitute Federico Chiesa also on the scoresheet.
The biggest victory of Arne Slot's Liverpool reign, allied to a clean sheet, served as the perfect tonic following defeat at Bournemouth. Six wins out of eight in the Champions League group, including against both Madrid clubs and Inter, offered a reminder of the pedigree his side have failed to show consistently in a troubled title defence.
Frimpong blow casts an early shadow
Slot's night did not get off to the best start. Already shorn of defensive options and needing Ryan Gravenberch to deputise for Ibrahima Konate in central defence, Liverpool lost Jeremie Frimpong to injury in the second minute when the full-back pulled up while pursuing a Qarabag clearance down his right flank.