UCL: Szoboszlai, Gakpo fire Liverpool past Marseille

Liverpool took a major step towards the Champions League last 16 with a composed 3-0 away win over Marseille at the Stade Vélodrome, overcoming a hostile atmosphere to strengthen their position in the top eight.

The hosts set the tone before kick-off with a striking tifo celebrating The Beatles, and Marseille began brightly, feeding off the crowd’s energy.

Liverpool, restored Mohamed Salah for his first start in two months after AFCON duty, initially absorbed pressure as the French side looked to impose themselves.

Despite Marseille’s early pressing, Liverpool grew into the contest and began to assert control through midfield, even if clear chances were limited in open play.

Free-kick breaks the deadlock

The breakthrough arrived in first-half stoppage time from a set-piece. After Ryan Gravenberch was fouled just outside the area, Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up and caught Marseille out.

His low free-kick slipped through a jumping wall and past goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli, who reacted too late, giving Liverpool a crucial lead going into the break.

That goal shifted momentum. Liverpool looked more assured after the restart, while Marseille, led by the lively Mason Greenwood, searched for a response.

Greenwood twice threatened, forcing Alisson into action, but the Reds’ defence, marshalled by Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, held firm.

Liverpool finish strong

Liverpool’s second goal came 18 minutes from time and effectively ended the contest. Jeremie Frimpong surged down the right and drove a cross into the box.

After deflections off Facundo Medina and Rulli, the ball crossed the line to double the visitors’ advantage.

Marseille continued to push, but Liverpool managed the closing stages with growing confidence. Cody Gakpo added gloss late on, calmly finishing from Gravenberch’s pass to finally silence the home crowd.

The result leaves Liverpool well placed to secure a top-eight finish, with a final league-phase match against Qarabag at Anfield still to come.