Liverpool beat Marseille 3-0 away in the Champions League: Szoboszlai’s magic andGakpo’s late goal
Liverpool confidently defeated Marseille 3-0 in the Champions League. Szoboszlai scored with a clever free kick, Rulli scored an own goal, and Gakpo sealed the deal. Detailed match review, key moments and what it means for Liverpool in the table.
Liverpool 3-0 Marseille: Champions League match review | UEFA results 2025/26
If you’re a Liverpool fan, then last night definitely lifted your spirits. When you scan the results for yesterday matches, Liverpool’s victory stands out as the performance of the night. The Reds travelled to Marseille’s Stade Vélodrome and simply dismantled the hosts with a commanding 3-0 victory in the
Champions League. It wasn’t just a win, but a real demonstration of strength, very reminiscent of a classic Anfield rout—only this time, it happened away against a team determined to put up a fight.
The match took place on 21 January 2026 as part of the league phase of the Champions League. Under Arne Slot, Liverpool sent a clear message that they are serious about fighting for the top eight and a direct ticket to the round of 16.
First half: Szoboszlai scored in added time
The game started fairly evenly. Marseille tried to press, but Liverpool calmly kept the ball and created chances. Salah returned to the starting line-up after the Africa Cup of Nations. However, he was not the star of the evening.
The most interesting moment came in added time in the first half. A free kick 25 metres from the goal. It seemed that Salah would take the shot with his left foot. But Dominik Szoboszlai took the ball. And here he showed his class. A low shot under the wall, which jumped as one, with no player on the ground. Rulli in goal simply did not have time to react. The score was 1-0. Szoboszlai himself later said that he had
done his homework and knew exactly how to shoot in such a situation. It was a masterpiece of a goal that opened the scoring and effectively broke the game.
Before that, Marseille had a chance with Ekitike. But VAR cancelled it. Offside or something like that. Liverpool looked solid in defence. Van Dijk didn’t let them get going.
Second half: own goal and complete control
After the break, Marseille tried to press. But the Reds didn’t give up the initiative. The deadlock was finally broken by a defining moment in the 72nd minute. Jeremy Frimpong (who has been looking very good this season) sent in a low cross from the flank. The ball hit Rulli. He misplaced his foot or hand.
And the ball flew into the goal. Own goal, 2-0. After that, the hosts no longer believed in a comeback. Liverpool could have scored earlier. Ekiti hit the post. Salah failed to convert a couple of chances. But the team kept up the pace and gave their opponents nothing.
The final chord from Gakpo
In added time, Cody Gakpo came on. And he immediately showed why he is valued. He received the ball, handled it brilliantly, beat the defender and curled it into the far corner. 3-0. A clean shot, with no chance for the goalkeeper. Gakpo is often criticised. But when he comes on as a substitute in such matches, he usually makes a difference.
Why this is important for Liverpool
After this victory, Liverpool moved up to 4th place in the league table. They have 15 points (5 wins, 2 losses). Three points brought the team closer to direct qualification for the round of 16 without a play-off.
Marseille, meanwhile, remain on 9 points and is now in danger of being eliminated.
Here are the key points to watch out for:
.Szoboszlai’s form. After missing a penalty against Burnley, he responded with a masterpiece of a goal. This adds confidence.
.Salah’s return. He didn’t shine, but the team won even without his goals. Competition in attack is growing.
.Gakpo as a wild card. Another goal from the bench. The coach has something to think about
regarding the starting line-up.
.Defence. A clean sheet away against a hot Vélodrome. A big plus.
Overall, it was a match where everything came together. Smart football, individual skill and a bit of luck with an own goal. For fans who follow the live score today football, Liverpool’s performance is a welcome sign of consistency. They look ready for serious business in Europe. One more match, and they can celebrate qualifying for the next round.