Anfield played host to a European masterclass on Wednesday as Liverpool brushed aside the Azerbaijani champions with a 6-0 victory.
The result ensures Arne Slot’s side finishes third in the revamped 36-team league phase, comfortably bypassing the play-off round.
While the Reds have struggled for consistency in domestic competition, this performance was a powerful reminder of their continental pedigree.
Alexis Mac Allister spearheaded the rout with two goals, while Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, and Federico Chiesa all found the back of the net.
However, the night was marred by a worsening injury crisis in the backline, with yet another defender forced off in the opening minutes.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Alisson (6)
The Brazilian enjoyed one of his quietest nights of the season. He was briefly tested in the early stages by a stinging effort from Duran, but as Liverpool took total control, he became a mere spectator. He had virtually nothing to do for the entire second half.
Jeremie Frimpong (N/A)
A heartbreaking night for the right-back, whose game ended after just four minutes. He appeared to suffer a groin injury and was visibly distraught as he headed straight for the tunnel, leaving Arne Slot with a massive headache regarding defensive depth.
Ryan Gravenberch (7)
Operating in an unconventional center-back role due to the squad’s injury woes, the Dutchman looked remarkably composed. He used his midfield instincts to step into play and dictate the tempo from deep, helping Liverpool maintain a high line and suffocate Qarabag’s rare attacks.
Virgil van Dijk (7)
The captain was his usual unflappable self. He played a pivotal role in the opening goal by flicking a corner toward Mac Allister and later turned playmaker to set up Chiesa’s late strike. He nearly got on the scoresheet himself but couldn’t keep his second-half efforts on target.
Andy Robertson (8)
The Scotsman was a constant menace down the left flank, providing the width and delivery that opened up the visitors. He was instrumental in the buildup to Wirtz’s goal and showed no signs of distraction despite ongoing transfer rumors, receiving a warm reception from the Anfield crowd.
Alexis Mac Allister (8)
The Man of the Match. Mac Allister looked back to his world-class best, arriving perfectly in the box to head home the opener and later smashing in a second. He was inches away from a hat-trick late on, but his brace was more than enough to silence recent critics.
Dominik Szoboszlai (7)
Playing a hybrid advanced role, the Hungarian covered an immense amount of ground. His passing range was a constant threat, and he technically made history by assisting Salah’s goal with a clever free-kick layoff, equaling a club record for consecutive goal involvements in the competition.
Florian Wirtz (9)
The German youngster was the architect of Liverpool’s most beautiful moves. He doubled the lead with a clinical low strike from the edge of the area and moved with a grace that Qarabag simply couldn’t track. His chemistry with the forward line is rapidly becoming the core of this team.
Mohamed Salah (7)
It was a night of relief for the Egyptian king. While some of his touches were loose in the first half, his stunning second-half free-kick marked his first goal for the club since early November. The emotional celebration that followed showed exactly how much it meant to him to be back on the scoresheet.
Hugo Ekitike (8)
The summer signing continues to look like a bargain. His physical presence and intelligent movement created the space for Wirtz to thrive, and he was rewarded with a well-taken solo goal in the 55th minute after out-muscling the opposition defense.
Cody Gakpo (6)
While his teammates were filling their boots, Gakpo had a more frustrating evening. He worked hard and forced several saves from the Qarabag keeper, but the final touch eluded him on a night where almost everyone else seemed to find the net.
Substitutes
Wataru Endo (7): Came on early for Frimpong and filled in admirably at right-back, keeping the defense secure.
Trey Nyoni (6): Provided fresh energy in the midfield during the closing stages.
Rio Ngumoha (7): Looked lively on the wing and showed flashes of the talent that has fans excited.
Amara Nallo (6): A disciplined cameo at the back, notably avoiding the bookings that hampered his previous appearances.
Federico Chiesa (7): Made the most of his minutes by ghosting into the box to hammer home the sixth and final goal.