Liverpool thrash Qarabag and ease into last 16 in Champions League

Liverpool put their domestic problems behind them as they comfortably eased into the last 16 of the Champions League with a 6-0 victory over Qarabag.

In contrast to the Premier League, where Arne Slot’s side have won just five of their last 18 games, Europe has been a fruitful hunting ground and this was their sixth and easiest group-stage victory.

As in Marseille last week Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike – both goalscorers – and Dominik Szoboszlai were the architects but the sight of Mohamed Salah enthusiastically thumping the badge on his chest after scoring his first goal for the club since November 1 was a reminder there is life left in the old guard.

Two goals from Alexis Mac Allister and one from substitute Federico Chiesa saw Liverpool finish third in the table and avoided the dreaded play-off round.

In truth the Azerbaijaini opponents looked overawed by the occasion and ill-equipped to deal with their hosts’ pressing and intricate passing of the fleet-footed Wirtz, now regularly delivering a return on his £116million transfer fee.

Ekitike was equally impressive, dropping deep and running at defenders while also leading the line with authority.

Four goals in the second half had Anfield in party mood with Premier League woes forgotten but Saturday’s visit of Newcastle could bring them back down to earth as already significant injury problems worsened.

Pre-match Slot had spoken about the “struggles” endured and Curtis Jones’ absence with illness left just three senior outfield players on the bench: two of whom were the under-used Rio Ngumoha and Wataru Endo.

The latter was pressed into action in only the third minute when Jeremie Frimpong appeared to pull a hamstring.

Having a defensive midfielder who turns 33 in a