Hugo Ekitike Hungry For More After Strong Start At Liverpool In Champions League

Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike says the desire for progress remains strong after a dominant Champions League display. Ekitike scored and assisted in Liverpool's 6-0 victory over Qarabag, a result that confirmed progression to the last 16 and briefly eased pressure from recent domestic struggles.

The French forward struck Liverpool's fourth goal and created another for Florian Wirtz during the one-sided contest. Liverpool produced 5.9 expected goals against Qarabag, with Ekitike alone contributing 1.1 xG. Ekitike also attempted a team-high six shots and fashioned three major chances in an assertive attacking performance.

Ekitike is Liverpool's leading scorer in all competitions this season, following a summer move from Eintracht Frankfurt. The

forward has been directly involved in 17 goals, scoring 13 and providing four assists. No Liverpool player has contributed to more goals across all competitions during the current campaign.

Assessing the start to life at Anfield, Ekitike offered a balanced view of form and adaptation. "I would say good, Ekitike said when asked to assess his start to life at Liverpool. Obviously, I could do better, I could do worse. I'm pretty happy. The most important thing was to set up outside of the pitch with my team-mates. That's a big thing. Everything I do outside with my team-mates, training, I think I've settled in well, and that helps me to perform, so I would say I'm happy, but I'm hungry for more, and I expect more from myself, so I have to keep working. "

The Qarabag game further underlined Ekitike's influence on Liverpool's attack this season. The forward again led team metrics in several areas, reflecting a central role in Liverpool's approach. Key attacking numbers from the Champions League group match against Qarabag are shown below.

Statistic	Hugo Ekitike	Liverpool Total
Goals	1	6
Assists	1	4
Shots	6	22
Big chances created	3	7
Expected goals (xG)	1.1	5.9

While European results improved, Liverpool's Premier League form in 2026 remains concerning. Liverpool have not won any of their five league fixtures this year, drawing four and losing once. The Qarabag win therefore arrived against a backdrop of domestic frustration and scrutiny of recent performances.

Hugo Ekitike Liverpool dressing room mentality and league run

Ekitike pointed to commitment and togetherness when discussing the mood after the league defeat at Bournemouth. "Obviously, when you see the last game in Bournemouth, but what I can say is everyone gave 100% of themselves. Like every team, we have to go through something, but we stick together, and hopefully, it will go better. We have the quality; I really believe things will go well. "

Liverpool now prepare for a Premier League meeting with Newcastle United, another key test in the schedule. The fixture carries extra interest for Ekitike, who had been strongly linked with Newcastle before selecting Liverpool. The forward addressed that decision when asked about the transfer background and upcoming match.

Hugo Ekitike Liverpool choice over Newcastle United move

"Obviously, we were close [to joining Newcastle], but I made my choice, he said. I knew where I wanted to come, so that's all I can give to you. I don't care [about the reception from Newcastle fans]. I play for Liverpool, I have my fans here, we played there [Newcastle] already and won, so hopefully, we will have a great week of working. I don't care about this, I just want to play and help the team. Simple. "

Ekitike's form, combined with strong Champions League displays, gives Liverpool a clear attacking focal point heading into the last 16. With domestic results still under scrutiny, Liverpool will look to the forward's goals, work rate and stated hunger for improvement as the squad targets a stronger run in both competitions.