Match Report: Liverpool smash Marseille in Champions League clash

Liverpool left Marseille with far more than just three points, they left with a clear sense of authority in their UEFA Champions League campaign. A 3-0 win at the Orange Vélodrome pushed Arne Slot’s side up to fourth in the standings and firmly in control of their top eight destiny.

On a night that marked Mohamed Salah’s first start since November, Liverpool were measured, patient and ultimately ruthless. Marseille brought atmosphere, noise and early intensity, but Liverpool brought structure and calm, and that proved decisive.

Dominik Szoboszlai provided the moment of quality before half time, Geronimo Rulli’s misfortune added a second, and Cody Gakpo finished matters deep into stoppage time. It was not spectacular, but it was highly effective.

Szoboszlai sets the tone

Szoboszlai’s goal in first half injury time was the kind that deflates both a defence and a crowd. With Marseille set behind the ball, the Hungarian saw space where others saw bodies.

It was clever, precise and perfectly weighted, the sort of finish that reflects a player operating with confidence. Liverpool had enjoyed the better of the opening period, but that goal gave them control of the narrative.

With Virgil van Dijk making his 350th appearance and Joe Gomez stepping in for Ibrahima Konate, the defensive unit looked comfortable. Marseille struggled to build momentum and found few ways through Liverpool’s compact shape.

Marseille pressure fades after restart

Roberto De Zerbi’s side did show more urgency after the interval. Mason Greenwood forced a sharp save from Alisson, then Hamed Traore blazed over after being picked out inside the box.

That brief spell was as good as it got. Liverpool absorbed the pressure and then struck again on 72 minutes. Jeremie Frimpong’s run down the right caused panic, his cross took a deflection and Rulli could only watch as the ball clipped him and rolled into the net.

It was harsh on Marseille, but also entirely predictable. Liverpool had managed the game expertly, waiting for mistakes and capitalising when they came.

Gakpo closes the story

By the time Gakpo came off the bench, the contest was drifting. His goal in the 92nd minute, a low curling finish into the far corner, gave the scoreline a brutal clarity.

Liverpool’s unbeaten run now stands at 13 matches, and perhaps more importantly, they remain one of the most difficult sides to break down in this competition.

History repeats at Velodrome

Before kick-off, De Zerbi had urged his players to “honour” the stadium. The crowd responded with a packed house and a striking tifo that read “Que l’histoire repete”, translating to “History repeats itself”.

That message was meant to recall 2004, when Didier Drogba helped knock Liverpool out of the Uefa Cup. Instead, another pattern continued.

This was not a dramatic European classic, but it was a reminder of what successful Champions League sides tend to do well. Control the tempo, defend properly, and take the chances when they appear. Liverpool did all three, and Marseille were left chasing shadows.