Liverpool moved into a stronger Champions League position with a 3-0 away victory over Marseille, climbing from 11th to fourth in the standings. Dominik Szoboszlai, a Geronimo Rulli own goal and Cody Gakpo
secured a fourth straight win over the French side, leaving Marseille 19th and holding onto a play-off place.
The result came at Stade Velodrome on Wednesday and kept Liverpool on track before next week’s final group fixtures. Marseille, coached by Roberto De Zerbi, missed the chance to record a third consecutive Champions League victory for the first time since December 2010, after an attacking display that lacked precision.
Liverpool’s first breakthrough arrived right on the stroke of half-time from their opening shot on target. Szoboszlai drove a low free-kick through a poorly set Marseille wall, beating Rulli. That strike meant Szoboszlai became the first Liverpool player with multiple direct free-kicks in one season since Trent Alexander-Arnold in 2022-23.
Earlier in the first half, Hugo Ekitike thought Marseille had taken the lead, only for VAR to intervene. The forward finished calmly, but replays showed an offside in the build-up and the goal was correctly disallowed. Liverpool then had a penalty appeal dismissed when the ball struck Geoffrey Kondogbia high on the arm.
Mohamed Salah made a first Liverpool appearance since mid-December after Africa Cup of Nations duty. Salah, who had a public disagreement with Arne Slot earlier in December, almost marked the comeback with a clever flicked effort. The attempt went narrowly wide, yet indicated Liverpool’s growing threat before Szoboszlai’s decisive free-kick.
Marseille attempted to respond after the interval and enjoyed a promising spell around the hour mark. Szoboszlai, now creating chances, fed Ekitike with a sharp pass, and the striker hit a first-time shot that crashed against the crossbar. The rebound launched a Marseille move, which ended with Hamed Traore blazing over from a promising central position.
Szobo pic.twitter.com/9a41cCdmZqLiverpool FC (@LFC) January 21, 2026
Liverpool Champions League victory sealed by Rulli own goal and Gakpo
Liverpool finally gained breathing space 18 minutes from time through pressure down the right flank. Jeremie Frimpong reached the byline with neat close control and fired in a cross. The ball took a deflection and struck Rulli before crossing the line, making the goalkeeper the first to score an own goal against Liverpool in the Champions League.
Salah later missed a major chance to score on the return. The forward broke clear but failed to convert, shooting off target when well placed. Substitute Gakpo was sharper in stoppage time, taking one touch inside the area and finishing past Rulli, registering a second European goal of the campaign.
Liverpool Champions League stats underline efficient display
The scoreline highlighted Liverpool’s clinical edge rather than constant pressure. Liverpool managed only three shots on target, yet converted all three to finish with an expected goals figure of 1.49. Marseille created some openings but ended with xG of 0.88, underlining the lack of composure from De Zerbi’s players in advanced areas.
This 3-0 success ensured Liverpool secured a top-eight Champions League place heading into the final round of fixtures, while Marseille remained 19th and vulnerable despite still occupying a play-off berth. Slot’s side produced a composed away performance, took key moments at crucial times and maintained strong control over qualification prospects.
