Liverpool arrived in Marseille knowing exactly what was at stake, and by the time the night ended at the Orange Vélodrome, they had delivered one of their most complete European performances of the season. The scoreboard read Marseille 0 Liverpool 3, but the scoreline only told part of the story. This was a night of control, confidence, and calm authority from a Liverpool side that is slowly but surely rediscovering its belief under Arne Slot. Against a hostile crowd, in one of Europe’s most intimidating stadiums, the Reds did not just survive. They dominate
From the first whistle, Liverpool looked like a team that had learned from recent experiences. There was no panic, no wild pressing, no emotional overreaction to the noise pouring down from the stands. Instead, there was patience. Every pass felt measured. Every movement looked rehearsed. Marseille tried to unsettle them with early intensity, but Liverpool stood firm, absorbing pressure and waiting for the right moments to strike.
The importance of the result could not be overstated. With this win, Liverpool moved up to fourth in the Champions League league-phase table, putting themselves in a strong position to qualify for the knockout rounds. Victory over Qarabag in the final match will now seal their passage, and that sense of control over their destiny showed clearly in how they played. This was not a team hoping for results elsewhere. This was a team taking responsibility.
The breakthrough came at the perfect moment, right on the stroke of half-time, and it came from a moment of intelligence and quality. Dominik Szoboszlai stood over a free-kick just outside the box. Marseille were expecting power, maybe a curling effort aimed for the top corner. Instead, Szoboszlai outsmarted everyone. He took a clever, low free-kick that caught the defence off guard and beat the goalkeeper. In a stadium that had been roaring just moments earlier, there was sudden silence, broken only by the celebration of the travelling Liverpool fans.
That goal changed everything. Marseille, who had been growing into the game, were deflated. Liverpool, who had already looked comfortable, suddenly looked unstoppable. The confidence that surged through the team was clear. Players began demanding the ball more. The passing became sharper. The movement off the ball became more aggressive.
The second goal arrived not long after the break, and it came from pressure rather than brilliance. Jeremie Frimpong drove forward with intent, forcing Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli into a rushed decision. Under pressure, Rulli could only turn the ball into his own net. It was an own goal, but it was fully deserved. Liverpool had earned it through their pressing, their energy, and their refusal to let Marseille settle.
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At 2-0, the game felt almost done, but Liverpool did not switch off. That has been a problem at times this season, but not on this night. Instead of dropping deep and protecting what they had, the Reds continued to push forward intelligently, keeping possession and picking moments to attack. Marseille tried to respond, throwing players forward and creating a few half-chances, but they never truly looked like scoring.
Alisson Becker was calm and commanding whenever he was called upon. His positioning was excellent, his handling assured, and his presence alone seemed to calm the defence in front of him. Every cross that came into the box felt like it belonged to him. Every shot was dealt with cleanly. This was Alisson at his best, reminding everyone why he remains one of the finest goalkeepers in world football
In front of him, Liverpool’s defence was disciplined and mature. There were no reckless challenges, no unnecessary risks. Instead, there was communication, organisation, and trust. Players covered for each other, tracked runners, and cleared danger without panic. It was the kind of defensive performance that wins big European matches away from home.
In midfield, Liverpool were superb. Szoboszlai was everywhere, not just because of his goal, but because of his work rate and intelligence. He pressed when needed, held his position when required, and constantly looked to move the ball forward. Alexis Mac Allister provided balance, recycling possession and breaking up play quietly but effectively. The midfield trio worked as a unit, never allowing Marseille to dominate the centre of the pitch.
Mohamed Salah’s return to the starting lineup was another major talking point. Making his first start since November, Salah looked sharp, hungry, and dangerous. He could easily have had a couple of goals on another night. One chance went narrowly wide, another forced a smart save. But beyond the missed chances, his movement caused constant problems. Defenders were drawn towards him, creating space for others. His mere presence lifted the entire team.
Hugo Ekitike, playing against his former club, had a point to prove and looked desperate to make it count. He found himself in promising positions again and again, and on another night, he might have walked away with a hat-trick. While the goals did not come, his effort, pressing, and link-up play were vital. He stretched the defence, occupied centre-backs, and created space for teammates to exploit.
As the game wore on, Marseille’s belief drained away. The crowd, so loud in the opening stages, grew restless. Every misplaced pass was met with frustration. Every Liverpool attack increased the tension. Arne Slot, watching from the touchline, remained calm, making his instructions clear and precise. This was his team executing his plan perfectly.
The third goal, when it came, felt inevitable. Substitute Cody Gakpo provided the finishing touch late on, wrapping up the scoring and killing the game completely. It was the perfect ending to a dominant performance. Gakpo’s goal was taken with confidence, and his celebration reflected a team that knows it is moving in the right direction.
That goal also underlined the strength Liverpool now have from the bench. Slot’s substitutions did not weaken the team. They strengthened it. Fresh legs came on with the same intensity and discipline as those who started. This is a sign of progress, a sign that the squad is buying into the manager’s ideas.
The final whistle was met with scenes of joy from the Liverpool players and fans alike. Thirteen matches unbeaten since the end of November now tells its own story. After a difficult start to the season, doubts had crept in. Questions were asked about Slot’s methods, his adaptability, and his ability to manage at this level. Nights like this provide answers far louder than any press conference ever could.
This win was not about one individual, even though four players deserved 8/10 ratings for their performances. It was about collective effort. About structure. About belief. About understanding roles and executing them under pressure. Liverpool did not rely on chaos or emotion. They relied on football intelligence.
Perhaps most impressive of all was how comfortable Liverpool looked in such a difficult environment. The Orange Vélodrome has intimidated some of Europe’s biggest teams over the years. Liverpool made it feel ordinary. That speaks volumes about their mentality.
Looking ahead, the situation is now clear. Beat Qarabag next week, and Liverpool will book their place in the Champions League knockout stages. No drama. No last-minute calculations. Just business done properly. That clarity is a reward for nights like this.
For Arne Slot, this performance will be deeply satisfying. It showed growth. It showed learning. It showed that his ideas are taking hold. The players trust him. The system is working. And most importantly, Liverpool look like a team again.
There will be tougher tests to come. The knockout rounds will demand even more. But if Liverpool can reproduce this level of discipline, control, and quality, they will be a threat to anyone. Marseille were swept aside, not through luck, but through superiority.
As the players left the pitch and acknowledged the travelling supporters, there was a sense that something is building. Confidence is returning. Momentum is growing. And Europe has been reminded that Liverpool, when organised and focused, remain a serious force. This was not just a win. It was a statement.
