Liverpool vs Barnsley LIVE: Szoboszlai Stunner, Bizarre Error, Excellent Frimpong Strike

Liverpool hosted Barnsley in the FA Cup third round at Anfield on January 12, 2026, entering as heavy favorites against the mid-table League One side. The match kicked off at 7:45 PM UTC (2:45 PM ET), broadcast on ESPN+, with Liverpool dominating possession early at around 78%.[2][6]

The game ignited in the 9th minute when Dominik Szoboszlai unleashed a stunning strike from over 25 yards, powering into the net to give Liverpool a 1-0 lead. This early Szoboszlai stunner underscored the gulf in class, dispelling any doubts for the Championship-chasing Reds under Arne Slot.[2][6]

Liverpool's lineup featured Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal, a backline of Jeremie Frimpong, Joseph Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, and Andrew Robertson, midfield anchored by Alexis Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, with Federico Chiesa, Curtis Jones, and Rio Ngumoha supporting striker Cody Gakpo. Barnsley, managed by former Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane—recent League One Manager of the Month—fielded a gritty side but struggled, winless in five of their last six league games.[2][6]

A bizarre error from Barnsley's defense nearly gifted Liverpool a second, but they held firm temporarily. The Tykes, inspired by weekend shocks like Macclesfield's 2-1 upset over Crystal Palace, aimed to emulate lower-league magic, though predictions favored a 4-0 Liverpool win.[2][3]

Liverpool faced absences: Conor Bradley out for the season with a serious knee injury requiring surgery, and Hugo Ekitike a doubt due to hamstring issues. Slot defended his team selection amid last year's Plymouth loss but fielded a strong XI, balancing Premier League and Champions League pursuits.[3][5]

Jeremie Frimpong shone with an excellent strike, curling in a beauty to extend the lead, while Barnsley's players like D. Kellior-Dunn (2 goals in recent matches) threatened counters. Odds heavily backed Liverpool (-971), with over/under at 3.5 goals.[4][5]

Pre-match buzz highlighted FA Cup romance, but Liverpool's quality prevailed in a comfortable Anfield night. Final score updates pending full-time.[1][7]

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