Liverpool vs Barnsley: FA Cup Third Round Live

Liverpool hosted Barnsley at Anfield on January 12, 2026, in the FA Cup third round, aiming to avoid an upset against lower-league opposition after last year's shock loss to Plymouth Argyle.[1] Manager Arne Slot fielded a strong side, including Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal, Jeremie Frimpong, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson in defense, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield, with Federico Chiesa, Curtis Jones, Rio Ngumoha supporting Cody Gakpo up front.[5]

First Half Drama: Liverpool 2-1 Barnsley at HT

Liverpool dominated with 78% possession, firing nine shots (three on target) while Barnsley managed five chances, two forcing saves from Mamardashvili.[1][4] In the 36th minute, Frimpong scored his first Anfield goal, darting into the box from the right, switching to his left foot, and smashing past Murphy Cooper to make it 2-0.[1]

At 33 minutes, Joe Gomez received a yellow card for body-checking Barnsley's Reyes Cleary on a counter-attack.[1] Shock came in the 40th minute: Szoboszlai's botched backheel in his own box allowed Adam Phillips to pounce on the loose ball and slot home, pulling one back to 2-1.[1] Liverpool's stats showed 77% possession, eight shots (two on target), five corners, and one yellow card overall.[4]

Match Context and Tension

The game, kicking off at 19:45 UTC, carried upset potential, echoing past FA Cup giant-killings.[3] Barnsley's persistence, highlighted by Phillips' goal, denied a penalty to level and kept them in contention, per live updates.[1] Final score stood at Liverpool 0-0 Barnsley in some trackers, suggesting extra time or late twists, but first-half action set a thrilling tone.[2][6]

Liverpool's recent form included draws against Arsenal and Fulham, a goalless stalemate with Leeds, and wins over Wolves and Tottenham.[6] Barnsley aimed to capitalize on momentum, with players like D. Kellior-Dunn (2 goals) shining.[3] The tie promised more excitement post-interval.