Liverpool produced a ruthless 6-0 victory over Qarabag at Anfield, sealing a Champions League last-16 place with style. Arne Slot's team advanced automatically
by ending the league phase in third position, while Qarabag still moved into the knockout-stage play-offs, where the visitors would face either Paris Saint-Germain or Newcastle United.
The win also delivered a series of records for Liverpool and highlighted Qarabag's struggles at this level. Slot enjoyed the biggest winning margin of Liverpool's 91 games under Slot across all competitions, and this was Liverpool's largest success in any tournament since the 7-0 Premier League triumph over Manchester United in March 2023.
Virgil van Dijk played an unexpectedly creative role, with the defender involved in three goals. Van Dijk became the first central defender to assist three goals in a single Champions League match. Two contributions came from set-piece situations, while another followed a long pass from the back that punished Qarabag's defensive mistake.
Qarabag endured a night that matched their worst experiences in European competition. The 6-0 loss represented Qarabag's joint-heaviest defeat in major European tournaments, equalling the 6-0 reverse against Chelsea in the Champions League in September 2017. The visitors struggled throughout and rarely troubled Liverpool's defence or goalkeeper.
Underlying numbers reflected Liverpool's control from start to finish. Liverpool generated 5.6 expected goals, while Qarabag managed only 0.22. That huge gap underlined how often Liverpool created clear chances, and how rarely Qarabag reached dangerous areas, confirming the scoreline accurately mirrored the pattern of play.
Liverpool's attacking rhythm built after an early warning from the visitors. Hugo Ekitike almost silenced Anfield after 12 minutes, sending a low effort narrowly wide of the bottom-left corner. That chance prompted a strong response, and Liverpool quickly shifted momentum, taking command of possession and territory.
Liverpool Champions League goals from Mac Allister and Wirtz
The breakthrough followed three minutes later from a corner routine. A Dominik Szoboszlai delivery took a deflection, and Van Dijk reacted first to flick the ball on. Alexis Mac Allister arrived in space and bundled the ball over the line for the 15th-minute opener, settling Liverpool further.
Liverpool doubled the advantage six minutes after the opener with a slick move through the centre. Ekitike slipped a precise pass between defenders, releasing Florian Wirtz. Wirtz stayed calm inside the area and guided a low finish into the bottom-left corner, leaving Qarabag's defence exposed and chasing shadows.
Liverpool Champions League second-half surge from Salah and Ekitike
Any faint Qarabag hopes faded soon after half-time as Liverpool accelerated again. In the 50th minute, Szoboszlai rolled a short free-kick from the edge of the area. Mohamed Salah stepped onto the pass and guided a powerful strike into the top-left corner, adding a stylish third goal.
The fourth arrived seven minutes later, with Ekitike finally getting on the scoresheet. Van Dijk played a forward pass that Bahlul Mustafazada miscontrolled under pressure. Ekitike seized possession, sprinted past Kevin Medina, then rounded goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski before finishing, completing an emphatic individual contribution in attack.
Liverpool Champions League milestones for Szoboszlai and late flourish
Mac Allister scored again just after the hour mark, helped by fortune. A shot deflected kindly in the area, leaving Mac Allister with another straightforward close-range finish. The brace highlighted effective positioning from midfield and compounded Qarabag's defensive problems as Liverpool continued to attack with confidence.
Federico Chiesa added the sixth in the final minute of normal time following another surge from Van Dijk. The defender carried the ball forward on a marauding run before the move ended with Chiesa. Chiesa controlled well and struck a composed effort, completing a memorable team display at Anfield.
Szoboszlai extended a personal Champions League streak during the contest. Szoboszlai became only the second player to score or assist in six consecutive Champions League appearances for Liverpool, producing four goals and three assists in that run. Salah was the first, achieving the same between September 2022 and February 2023.
pic.twitter.com/DrTR9oBPooLiverpool FC (@LFC) January 28, 2026
The result confirmed Liverpool's smooth progression into the Champions League last-16, while leaving Qarabag to regroup before the knockout-stage play-offs against Paris Saint-Germain or Newcastle United. With records for Van Dijk and Szoboszlai, and Slot's biggest victory, the match underlined Liverpool's strength at Anfield in Europe.
