Liverpool 4-1 Barnsley: Szoboszlai Error Nearly Costs Reds in FA Cup Thriller

Liverpool advanced to the FA Cup fourth round with a 4-1 victory over Sky Bet League One side Barnsley at Anfield on January 12, 2026, but not without a scare caused by a bizarre blunder from Dominik Szoboszlai[2][3].

The match began brightly for the hosts, with Szoboszlai opening the scoring in the 9th minute via a sumptuous right-footed strike from outside the box, giving Liverpool a deserved lead[1][2]. Jeremie Frimpong doubled the advantage in the 36th minute with another stunning effort, putting the Premier League giants in cruise control just before halftime[2][3].

Disaster struck shortly after, however, as Szoboszlai attempted a reckless backheel inside his own six-yard box, gifting former Liverpool youth product Adam Phillips a tap-in for Barnsley's goal in the 40th minute[3]. The visitors, 17th in League One, seized the momentum, pressing for an equalizer and nearly pulling level when Barnsley keeper Cooper tipped Virgil van Dijk's volley onto the crossbar in the second half[3].

Tensions rose further when Szoboszlai's rash challenge on Reyes Cleary sparked penalty claims from Barnsley, though no VAR review was available to intervene[3]. Liverpool's dominance returned late on, with substitute Florian Wirtz curling home a beauty in the 84th minute, followed by Hugo Ekitike's close-range finish in the 90+4th minute to seal the win[2][3].

Starting XI for Liverpool included Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal, Andy Robertson, Van Dijk, Gomez, Frimpong, Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Rio Ngumoha, Szoboszlai, Federico Chiesa, and Cody Gakpo. Subs like Wirtz and Ekitike proved decisive[1][2]. Despite the result, manager Arne Slot's side extended their unbeaten run to 11 but showed vulnerabilities against lower-league opposition[3].

Barnsley fought valiantly, but Liverpool progress to face Brighton at home in the next round amid FA Cup giant-killing tales elsewhere[2][3]. (Word count: 298)