Liverpool FC delivered a commanding performance on the road, defeating Olympique de Marseille 3-0 in their latest Champions League clash. The victory, achieved at the Stade Vélodrome, marked a significant step for Liverpool as they seek direct qualification for the last 16 of the tournament. The victory placed Liverpool fourth in their group standings and 15 points overall this campaign.
The match was filled with dramatic moments, including a brilliant free kick by Dominik Szoboszlai right before half-time to make it 2-0. Sending a low shot under the defensive wall, he gave Liverpool the lead they thoroughly deserve. It was the first time since November that Mohamed Salah featured in the starting XI. At the same time, Joe Gomez filled in at centre-back with Ibrahima Konate missing through personal leave.
Key Moments of the Match
Overcoming a slow-starting first half, Liverpool were able to showcase their attacking prowess. That time, they dominated the match but couldn’t finish opportunities in the final third. It looked like the visitors had taken the lead through Hugo Ekitike, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Shortly after Szoboszlai’s opener, an own goal from Geronimo Rulli doubled Liverpool’s advantage. Cody Gakpo found a winner just three minutes into stoppage time. He capped off a beautiful team goal that began with Szoboszlai’s creative little backheel and was completed by Ryan Gravenberch’s expert cutback.
Feyenoord’s head coach, Arne Slot, was proud of his team’s efforts but realistic about the task they faced.
“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.” – Arne Slot
Liverpool’s Resilience and Performance
Liverpool hailed the triumph as their 13th straight unbeaten game in all competitions. The run is even more impressive when considering their grit having endured an abysmal start to the year. The team has gotten increasingly better under Slot’s stewardship, moving with more fluidity and attacking instinct in their last few matches.
Defensively, Liverpool remained solid throughout the match. It was Alisson Becker again, on hand to make a pair of crucial saves, including one from Amine Gouiri’s powerful effort that preserved the clean sheet. Virgil van Dijk said that it was very challenging coming up against teams like Marseille who kept their tempo and intensity.
“They keep on playing and taking a risk, so if you win the ball between the lines, then you have a chance. I’m pleased with the team, everybody put a shift in.” – Virgil van Dijk
Looking Ahead
Following this victory, Liverpool will be eyeing some momentum heading into their next match against Qarabag. A victory in that contest would send them through to the knockout stages of the Champions League. The players’ confidence is lifted after this performance, and they will need to build on this as they move forward.
As they prepare for the next challenge, Liverpool fans remain optimistic about their team’s prospects in both domestic and European competitions. Their recent form is evidence that the entire squad has made a massive step-up. This bodes well as we move into the meat of the season.
