Liverpool took another confident step toward securing their spot in the Champions League last 16 as they swept aside Marseille with a controlled 3-0 win in France on Wednesday night. It was an evening that showcased the consistency Arne Slot has been building, with his side now unbeaten in 13 matches.
Salah returns as Liverpool find their rhythm
Source: LFC on X
Mohamed Salah made his first start for Liverpool since November, returning from his AFCON run with Egypt. After recent tension over his omission from the Inter Milan matchday squad, all eyes were on him. He looked sharp early, linking well with Jeremie Frimpong and coming close with a flicked effort onto the roof of the net.
Liverpool created chances throughout the first half. Joe Gomez headed wide from a corner, while Alexis Mac Allister tested the Marseille keeper. The hosts threatened too, with Hugo Ekitike having a goal ruled out and Amine Gouiri forcing Alisson into a diving save.
But just before halftime, Liverpool finally found their breakthrough. Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up from a free kick and curled the ball under the wall to beat Geronimo Rulli, giving the visitors a hard-earned lead.
Marseille struggle to take their chances
Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille needed a response to keep their top-eight hopes alive, but the finishing simply wasn’t there. Mason Greenwood forced Alisson into another save, Ekitike rattled the crossbar with a clear chance, and Timothy Weah fired over during a quick break.
As chances came and went, Marseille slipped deeper into trouble, sitting 19th in the 36-team table and now needing a significant result at Club Brugge to stay in the competition.
Liverpool close out the win with authority
Liverpool sealed the game when Frimpong muscled his way to the byline and drilled a low cross that Rulli bundled into his own net. Cody Gakpo added a third in stoppage time to round off a comfortable night.
A win over Qarabag at Anfield next week would secure Liverpool a top-eight finish and automatic qualification for the last 16.
Juventus tighten their grip on qualification
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In Turin, Juventus claimed an important 2-0 victory over Benfica to secure at least a playoff place. Second-half goals from Khephren Thuram and Weston McKennie ensured their third straight win.
Benfica’s late penalty miss summed up their night, leaving them needing a victory over Real Madrid in their final match to stay in contention.
Bayern Munich book their place in the last 16
Source: FC Bayern Munich on X
Bayern Munich also secured a top-eight finish, beating Union Saint-Gilloise 2-0 thanks to two quick-fire goals from Harry Kane. He scored a header and then converted a penalty, reaching his 34th goal of the season.
Despite a red card for Kim Min-jae and a late missed penalty from Kane, Bayern remained in control and continue their dominant run across competitions.
Chelsea leave it late against spirited Pafos
Source: Chelsea FC on X
Chelsea worked hard for a tense 1-0 win over Pafos, with Moises Caicedo scoring late to lift the Blues into eighth place. Liam Rosenior, in his first Champions League match as manager, oversaw a performance that required patience as Pafos goalkeeper Jay Gorter pulled off a string of impressive saves.
The result means a win at Napoli could send Chelsea directly into the last 16.
Newcastle punish PSV mistakes to stay in the race
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Newcastle kept their Champions League push alive with a commanding 3-0 win over PSV at St James’ Park. Yoane Wissa and Anthony Gordon capitalised on defensive errors early, before Harvey Barnes added a third with his fifth goal in as many matches.
The only blow was an ankle injury to captain Bruno Guimaraes, who could miss their crucial trip to PSG next week.
Barcelona keep their hopes alive in freezing Prague
Source: FC Barcelona on X
In icy conditions, Barcelona beat Slavia Prague 4-2 to keep their top-eight hopes intact. Fermin Lopez scored twice, while Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski added goals in the second half.
Barcelona now sit ninth and need a win at home to Copenhagen to avoid the February playoff round. The Spanish giants remain in contention for a quadruple, adding weight to their push for a deep Champions League run.
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