Liverpool delivered a composed display in France, emerging with a clear victory that moved them into fourth place in the Champions League table. The outcome placed Arne Slot’s team in a favourable position ahead of their upcoming Anfield meeting with Qarabag, as they aim to stay inside the top eight and bypass the playoff round.
From the opening exchanges, the visitors dictated the tempo and settled quickly into their structure. Width from the full-backs stretched Marseille, while the central areas were controlled with patience rather than urgency, allowing Liverpool to grow steadily into the contest.
The breakthrough arrived during first-half stoppage time when Dominik Szoboszlai produced a clever free kick, sliding the ball beneath the defensive wall and beyond Geronimo Rulli. It was a reward for sustained pressure rather than a flurry of chances.
Second-half resilience and clinical finish
Marseille responded with greater intensity after the interval, forcing Liverpool to defend deeper for short spells. Alisson was required to intervene, first denying Mason Greenwood and then watching as Hamed Traore failed to capitalise on a subsequent opening.
Despite that brief surge, Liverpool regained control and extended their advantage in the 72nd minute. Jeremie Frimpong burst down the flank, reached the byline, and delivered a cutback that deflected, clipped Rulli, and crossed the line.
Cody Gakpo, introduced from the bench, sealed the evening in stoppage time. His low, curling strike into the far corner ensured a three-goal margin and removed any lingering doubt about the result.
Slot’s system and returning influence
Mohamed Salah returned to the starting lineup for the first time since November, featuring in a 4-2-2-2 formation alongside Hugo Ekitike, with Florian Wirtz and Szoboszlai operating just behind. Although the forward did not find the net, his overall contribution underlined his importance to Slot’s approach.
Liverpool created further opportunities as Marseille committed numbers forward, with Ekitike striking the crossbar and Wirtz testing the goalkeeper. Salah also passed up a late chance, extending his run without a club goal, yet his performance remained influential throughout.
At the back, Joe Gomez partnered Virgil van Dijk due to Ibrahima Konate’s absence for family reasons, as the captain marked his 350th appearance for the club. Liverpool limited the most prolific attack in Ligue 1 and stretched their unbeaten sequence to 13 matches, capping a disciplined European night witnessed by 3,300 travelling supporters.
