Liverpool vs Barnsley LIVE: Szoboszlai Stunner and Bizarre Error, Frimpong Nets

FA Cup Third Round at Anfield – Monday, January 12, 2026

Liverpool hosted League One side Barnsley in the FA Cup third round at Anfield, entering as heavy favorites under manager Arne Slot. The Reds, chasing silverware amid a strong Premier League and Champions League campaign, fielded a potent lineup featuring Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal, Jeremie Frimpong, Joseph Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, and Andrew Robertson in defense, with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai anchoring midfield, alongside Federico Chiesa, Curtis Jones, Rio Ngumoha, and striker Cody Gakpo.[5][2]

The match kicked off at 7:45 PM UTC (2:45 PM ET), broadcast on ESPN+. Early drama unfolded in the 9th minute when Szoboszlai unleashed a stunning strike from over 25 yards, rocketing into the net to give Liverpool a 1-0 lead. The powerful long-range effort dispelled any doubts for Barnsley, managed by Conor Hourihane – a former Aston Villa and Barnsley player recently named League One Manager of the Month, though his side sat mid-table and winless in five of their last six games.[2][3]

Barnsley struggled against Liverpool's dominance, with the hosts enjoying 78% possession in key phases.[5] A bizarre error from the Barnsley defense gifted Liverpool further chances, though specifics remained unclear amid live updates. Jeremie Frimpong then netted to extend the lead, capitalizing on the Tykes' woes and firing the Anfield crowd into frenzy.[2]

Context loomed large: Liverpool sought to avoid a repeat of last season's shock FA Cup exit to Plymouth after heavy rotation. Conor Bradley's season-ending knee injury (non-ACL, requiring surgery) sidelined the defender.[3] Barnsley dreamed of emulating Macclesfield's upset over Crystal Palace, but predictions favored a comfortable Liverpool win, like 4-0.[2] As the live blog captured every moment – goals, cards, subs – the magic of the cup shone, though the gulf in class prevailed.[1][6]

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