Liverpool vs Qarabag LIVE: Reds Secure Dramatic 3-2 Victory in Champions League Thriller

Anfield, January 28, 2026 – Liverpool edged out Qarabag FK 3-2 in a pulsating UEFA Champions League league phase clash, clinching a guaranteed spot in the knockout stages under manager Arne Slot. Despite a shaky domestic campaign, the Reds entered the match with five wins from seven UCL games, making this final round fixture crucial.[1][5]

The game kicked off with early drama as Jeremie Frimpong pulled up injured without contact just four minutes in, forcing his tearful exit. Dominik Szoboszlai signaled for the substitution, with Wataru Endo replacing him—potentially shifting Szoboszlai to right-back.[1] Qarabag struck first with a clinical effort from leading UCL scorer Camilo Duran, saved initially by Alisson, but they soon equalized after a goalkeeper error.[1][3]

Key Moments and Goals

• Early Chance: Mo Salah lofted a ball for Cody Gakpo's acrobatic miss (13'), followed by Hugo Ekitike curling wide (12').[1]
• Liverpool Lead (1-0): Ekitike assisted a fine near-post finish to open scoring.[3]
• Equalizer (1-1): Qarabag leveled via a contentious goal straight at Alisson, who spilled under pressure.[3]
• 2-1 Liverpool: Corner excellence from Kirkish set up the header.[3]
• Final Push: Gakpo's persistence led to the decisive third, with Unai Simon's reaction too slow.[3]

Qarabag made 11 changes pre-match, leading to a familiar collapse, while Liverpool's stars shone—Szoboszlai netting 4 UCL goals and 3 assists, topping team stats alongside Alisson's 7.2 rating.[2][4] A loss would have risked play-offs, but victory seals last-16 progression, barring freak results elsewhere.[1]

Liverpool climb to 4th in UCL standings (14 GF, 8 GA), while Qarabag sit 18th. Attendance: Record Anfield buzz for this high-stakes opener finale.[4][5]