Arne Slot’s Reds cruised into the Champions League knockout stages with a 6-0 rout of Qarabag at Anfield. Despite losing Jeremie Frimpong to a suspected injury in the opening minutes of Wednesday’s clash, the hosts took a deserved lead by half-time courtesy of Alexis Mac Allister and Florian Wirtz, the latter scoring for the club for the first time in this competition to continue a notable upturn in personal form.
A second-half flurry of goals followed, with Mohamed Salah curling in a free-kick and Hugo Ekitike coolly finishing off a fast break before Mac Allister bundled in his second and Liverpool’s fifth of the match just after the hour mark. Federico Chiesa added the finishing touches at the death after being played in by Virgil van Dijk’s third assist of the night, leaving the jubilant home crowd and manager Arne Slot with plenty to celebrate.
It meant automatic progression to the last-16 has been secured for the group from Merseyside , while their Azerbaijani visitors snuck through to next month’s knockout play-offs. Relive all the action below in Standard Sport’s dedicated live blog, featuring expert insight and analysis.
Liverpool vs Qarabag latest news
- GOAL! Liverpool 6-0 Qarabag: Chiesa adds sixth | 90'
- GOAL! Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag: Mac Allister makes it five | 61'
- GOAL! Liverpool 4-0 Qarabag: Ekitike finishes fast break | 57'
- GOAL! Liverpool 3-0 Qarabag: Salah returns to score sheet | 50'
- GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag: Wirtz opens UCL account to double hosts' lead | 21'
- GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Qarabag: Mac Allister breaks deadlock following corner chaos | 15'
- Liverpool team news: Gravenberch at centre-back
- Qarabag team news: Danger man Duran up top
Van Dijk's record-breaking night
22:59 , Alex DakersMy apologies for doubting the knowledge of Twitter/X user @casual_jay1 (see post at 10:19pm GMT) regarding Virgil van Dijk’s hat-trick of assists being a first for a Premier League centre-back.
In fact, it would appear that is also a first for a central defender in a single Champions League game!
Incredible from VVD 👏🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/ywe9RmsZyY
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 28, 2026
Liverpool hit by new Frimpong injury blow as Slot crisis worsens
22:35 , Alex DakersLiverpool have been dealt another concerning defensive injury blow after Jeremie Frimpong limped off early on against Qarabag.
The Dutchman started at right-back for Arne Slot’s Reds during their final league phase match in the Champions League at Anfield on Wednesday night.
However, Frimpong lasted mere minutes against the Azerbaijani side before pulling up injured and then laying out flat on the pitch, receiving treatment from medical staff ahead of hobbling down the tunnel as Wataru Endo was summoned to take his place.
Slot will be desperately hoping that it is not another hamstring issue for his compatriot, who has already seen his debut season on Merseyside heavily disrupted by two such previous injuries.
Liverpool are already without fellow right-back Conor Bradley for the remainder of the season after he underwent surgery on his knee following bone and ligament damage suffered in the goalless draw with Premier League leaders Arsenal earlier this month.
Another potential option for Slot on the right side of defence, versatile centre-back Joe Gomez, is also currently sidelined with a knock picked up during an accidental collision with goalkeeper Alisson Becker during the first half of Saturday’s last-gasp 3-2 defeat by Bournemouth.
Liverpool also remained without Ibrahima Konate against Qarabag following the recent death of his father, with Gomez’s absence leading to midfielder Ryan Gravenberch being called upon to partner Netherlands team-mate Virgil van Dijk at centre-back because teenage defender Giovanni Leoni is also out for the season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament on his debut back in September.
We’ll update this story with the latest post-match updates we receive from Slot - click here for more!
Fan reaction: Looking ahead
22:30 , Alex DakersBrilliant performance tonight. The second half especially was really good
— SixTimes🏆 (@Wokinho) January 28, 2026
The reality though is that if we don’t beat Newcastle on the weekend it means nothing. #LIVQAR #UCL
Good win, but genuinely nothing more.
— Ash (@Ash_LFC7) January 28, 2026
Qarabag are genuinely a horrible team.
This changes nothing apart from hopefully giving our attackers a bit of confidence.
Frimpong’s injury is a huge worry. We need a CB immediately!#lfc #livqar #ucl
Liverpool did what was expected, but Qarabag deserve respect. Brave approach, no fear, kept playing their football. Anfield pressure + quality made the difference. European lessons learned. #UCL #LIVQAR
— loner (@Chiyem0) January 28, 2026
Fan reaction: Talking points from Liverpool's big win
22:19 , Alex DakersSuperb, that, Liverpool. 👏Something similar at the weekend, please... Liked the look of Wirtz in that pocket behind a traditional front three. Ekitike looking like a world-beater. Still time to do some busin£ss... 🤔😆#LIVQAR #LFC
— Andrew David Stedman (@ADStedman) January 28, 2026
A Hat-Trick of assists for @VirgilvDijk
— Jay (@casual_jay1) January 28, 2026
No Premier League centre‑back has ever officially registered three assists in a single match.#LFC #LIVQAR #UCL pic.twitter.com/A8Qy613NmO
(I have not yet verified this one, but that’s some creative effort from Virgil van Dijk!)
Report: Reds soar into Champions League knockouts after Anfield rout
22:09 , Alex DakersLiverpool 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.
Who will Liverpool face in Champions League last-16 knockout stage?
22:06 , Alex DakersIn the new league phase format, which was introduced last season, the top eight teams progress straight through to the last 16 and avoid a two-legged knockout play-off tie.
Liverpool were already assured of qualification after beating Marseille in their penultimate fixture of the league phase, concluding their away trips which yielded nine points from a possible 12.
Ultimately, the shock 4-1 home loss to PSV Eindhoven on matchday five resulted in Liverpool needing to finish the job against Qarabag on Wednesday to confirm successive top-eight finishes in Europe’s elite club competition.
And they did it in style, thumping the Azerbaijani side 6-0 in an Anfield rout.
But who will the Reds face next?
FT: Liverpool 6-0 Qarabag
21:52 , Alex DakersAnd that is that!
A resounding Liverpool win sees the Reds soar into the Champions League round-of-16 automatically.
Consolation for Qarabag, who progress to the knockout play-offs despite tonight’s heavy defeat thanks to a spirited campaign to this point.
Liverpool 6-0 Qarabag
21:50 , Alex Dakers91mins: Okay, back to added time - we’ll have two minutes, maybe a little more given that disallowed goal.
GOAL! Liverpool 6-0 Qarabag
21:50 , Alex Dakers90mins: Forget about stoppages for a second, because Liverpool have scored again!
Federico Chiesa gets in on the act, having been played in by Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:48 , Alex Dakers89mins: Ngumoha gives away a foul near Qarabag’s box.
How many minutes of stoppages will we have, team?
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:47 , Alex Dakers88mins: Liverpool are comfortably through to the round-of-16 as things stand, even though Alexis Mac Allister miskicks an attempt at his hat-trick following a sumptuous lifted cross from Mo Salah.
Qarabag, meanwhile, are sneaking through into next month’s knockout play-offs as an unseeded team as things stand.
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:46 , Alex Dakers87mins: Salah sends in a corner which is nodded over by the defence, and the Egyptian resets for another delivery.
His second attempt finds Wataru Endo, who heads at the goalkeeper under pressure.
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:44 , Alex Dakers85mins: Rio Ngumoha wants in on the action and the 17-year-old has one chance, then a hurried second after it’s blocked, but no luck this time for the teenager.
Another Qarabag change as we tick towards full-time.
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:43 , Alex Dakers84mins: Perhaps as pleasing to Arne Slot as the five goals his side have scored is the clean sheet they have kept to this point.
The Dutchman will hope Liverpool see this out without conceding, particularly after last weekend’s latest leaky display against Bournemouth.
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:40 , Alex Dakers81mins: Things have quietened down a tad after that flurry of goals, but we still have 10 plus stoppages to go.
Here comes another Qarabag change, Addai on for Zoubir.
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:34 , Alex Dakers76mins: Chiesa receives, turns and shoots in the box, winning Liverpool’s latest corner.
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:34 , Alex Dakers75mins: Gakpo won’t get a goal tonight after all as he and Dominik Szoboszlai are replaced by Federico Chiesa and young centre-back Amara Nallo, who was only just called up to Liverpool’s Champions League squad amid the club’s defensive crisis.
Fan reaction: Endo a decent right-back?
21:33 , Alex DakersWataru Endo might get more minutes in Liverpool’s backline over the coming weeks, if Jeremie Frimpong’s injury is a bad one.
He’s had a pretty easy game to adjust to the position, tonight!
Not that he has had a lot to do, but I've been impressed with Endo at RB. If he has to play there again, at least he's had a relatively easier match to adjust to that position first. #UCL #LIVQAR
— Phil (@Phil8795) January 28, 2026
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:31 , Alex Dakers73mins: More Liverpool changes coming up...
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:31 , Alex Dakers72mins: Gakpo, the sole starting member of Liverpool’s front four yet to score tonight, is the man who takes it.
His effort looks like a good one before a slight deflection means it results in a corner.
The set-piece is delivered to an unmarked Virgil van Dijk, who nods the ball wide.
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:29 , Alex Dakers71mins: Qarabag’s Jankovic is booked for dissent, having argued against a clear foul on Cody Gakpo that wins Liverpool a free-kick not far from the edge of the area.
They couldn’t again, could they?
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:28 , Alex Dakers70mins: Liverpool continue to pepper Qarabag’s box with cross and through balls.
They want more, the Reds!
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:27 , Alex Dakers68mins: Three changes for Qarabag, too, who still remain just about in the knockout playoff picture due to results elsewhere.
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:26 , Alex Dakers67mins: That will be Ekitike’s last action, as he and fellow goal-scorer Florian Wirtz are replaced by youngster Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni.
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:25 , Alex Dakers66mins: And almost a sixth goal a few more times for the Reds.
Qarabag defender Medina can’t get the ball away, Gakpo and Ekitike both have half chances but can’t put it in the net.
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:23 , Alex Dakers64mins: Nearly six for Liverpool, as Virgil van Dijk’s side-footed effort goes narrowly off the mark following a corner.
GOAL! Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:23 , Alex Dakers61mins: Liverpool have five, with Alexis Mac Allister at the double!
Qarabag fail to clear their lines and it falls to the Argentine, who eventually bundles the ball over the line.
Party at Anfield!
Liverpool 4-0 Qarabag
21:19 , Alex Dakers60mins: Liverpool are purring and Florian Wirtz goes for goal again.
It’s on target but deflects out for a corner.
Fan reaction: Hugo gets high praise
21:17 , Alex DakersThat goal from Hugo was Torres against United & the Bobby celebration, what a guy #LIVQAR #UCL
— T ® (@TLalia) January 28, 2026
GOAL! Liverpool 4-0 Qarabag
21:17 , Alex Dakers57mins: And there’s the fourth, with Hugo Ekitike the scorer!
The Frenchman coolly finishes off a Liverpool fast break and it’s a long way back for Qarabag now.
Liverpool 3-0 Qarabag
21:14 , Alex Dakers56mins: More dangerous play for Liverpool ends with Cody Gakpo firing across goal and Kochalski getting just enough on the ball to send it out for a corner.
Liverpool 3-0 Qarabag
21:13 , Alex Dakers53mins: Salah’s up for this!
His next effort is bit of a wild swing, though, and the one after it is halted at close range in the area.
GOAL! Liverpool 3-0 Qarabag
21:11 , Alex Dakers50mins: It’s Mo Salah who takes it instead, and he scores!
Szoboszlai’s only touch is to knock it over for his teammate and friend, who curls a left-footed effort over the wall and into the back of the net.
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
21:08 , Alex Dakers49mins: A minute later, Salah is clipped as he dances towards the box again and Liverpool have a free-kick on the edge of the area.
Szoboszlai can’t put it under the wall again, can he?
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
21:07 , Alex Dakers48mins: Mo Salah cuts into the box and unleashes a left-footed effort, but it’s blocked before it can trouble Qarabag goalie Kochalski.
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
21:05 , Alex Dakers46mins: Van Dijk goes up for a header, has eyes only for the ball but does accidentally catch Qarabag’s Silva in the process.
The visiting player looked to be in a bit of discomfort, but he’s fine to continue.
Back underway!
21:04 , Alex DakersWhat will the second half bring?
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag as things stand, with both clubs currently on course to progress past this stage - but that could all change quickly...
Fan reaction: Frimpong injury worsens defensive crisis at Anfield
21:04 , Alex DakersJeremie Frimpong’s apparent injury in the opening minutes of tonight’s match has worsened Arne Slot’s headache when it comes to Liverpool’s defence...
So both right backs injured, two centre halves injured, one centre half absent on compassionate leave, meaning our remaining centre half is our 34 year old captain who is playing almost every minute of every game.
— Scott G. (@TheGraySon72) January 28, 2026
Hughes and Edwards. #LIVQAR pic.twitter.com/LB0MIIppRz
Around the grounds
21:00 , Alex DakersAs things stand, with it being half-time in all 18 Champions League matches at the moment, Liverpool are up to third in the league-phase table.
That’ll see the Reds go through automatically to the last-16 and also secure a home second-leg through to the quarter-finals, if they make it that far.
Results elsewhere, meanwhile, mean Qarabag are still currently sneaking through in the unseeded knockout play-off places.
They’ll still be looking to get back into this match here at Anfield, though!
HT: Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:48 , Alex DakersA deserved half-time lead at Anfield for the hosts.
Qarabag were knocking the ball around somewhat dangerously near the edge of Liverpool’s penalty box just before the whistle went, though.
A big second period to come!
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:46 , Alex Dakers45mins: Two minutes of added time.
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:45 , Alex Dakers44mins: ... but from a follow-up, Mo Salah floats a cross onto the head of Cody Gakpo - yet the Dutchman’s glancing effort is directed out of play by Kochalski, who has had a busy night so far.
Yet another corner to the hosts, but nothing comes of this one.
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:44 , Alex Dakers44mins: No luck with that set-piece or the corner that followed it...
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:43 , Alex Dakers43mins: Hugo Ekitike’s turn to fire a shot goalward now, but it takes another wicked deflection to end up just wide of the opposite corner than the one the Frenchman intended.
Liverpool have another corner.
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:40 , Alex Dakers40mins: The hosts scored from their first corner of the night but decide to go short with the second, to no avail.
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:39 , Alex Dakers39mins: Szoboszlai hammers another shot towards goal but it takes a hefty deflection off of Qarabag backlinesman Medina and goes out for a corner.
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:39 , Alex Dakers38mins: Qarabag are doubling up on Mo Salah and it’s working so far, with the Egyptian king dispossessed in the box.
A minute ago, Dominik Szoboszlai - played in by Salah - tried his luck from distance by Kochalski got down low to his left to make the save.
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:37 , Alex Dakers36mins: Andy Robertson doesn’t score often, and he doesn’t here - but the Scotland skipper has kept Qarabag’s defence on their toes.
Liverpool’s long-serving left-back is found in space on the left side edge of the penalty box, but his shot whistles over the bar.
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:35 , Alex Dakers34mins: Qarabag venture forward a few times, with Alisson forced to parry one cross back out before dashing off his line to gather the ball near the byline.
There’s life in the visitors.
Wirtz finding form
20:33 , Alex DakersSome stat, this!
No Premier League player has registered more goal contributions across all competitions than Florian Wirtz (7) since December 20th 👀 pic.twitter.com/CPv0liBk3N
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 28, 2026
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:33 , Alex Dakers32mins: That opening half hour has gone about as well as Arne Slot could have hoped for, aside from losing Jeremie Frimpong to a suspected lower limb injury.
Fan reaction: Endo praise
20:31 , Alex DakersSome praise filtering through for makeshift right-back Wataru Endo, who replaced the injured Jeremie Frimpong in the opening minutes of tonight’s match.
The Japan international did well to block the Qarabag cross that led to the corner a few minutes ago:
Class work there from Endo, who is playing at RB ever since Frimpong been taken off. #LIVQAR pic.twitter.com/420rZaXIYI
— The Anfield Reds (@anfieldreds20) January 28, 2026
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:29 , Alex Dakers29mins: Qarabag get bodies up the other end quickly and win a corner, but it comes to nothing.
Fan reaction: Robbo has been missed
20:32 , Alex DakersI miss quality balls in from the full backs so much. Robertson is always a breath of fresh air in that regard. #LIVQAR
— Harrison (@RollTruTV) January 28, 2026
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:23 , Alex Dakers22mins: An instant warning sign from Qarabag, with Virgil van Dijk forced to clear high and far out of his own box.
Throw-in to the visitors.
GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:21 , Alex Dakers21mins: A first Champions League goal in Liverpool colours for Florian Wirtz!
The German is found by Hugo Ekitike, charges forward and rifles the ball into the bottom left corner, sending the Anfield crowd into raptures.
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Qarabag
20:16 , Alex Dakers15mins: A goal, is the answer!
Szoboszlai’s corner is flicked on at the near post by Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk directs a header towards goal which is blocked but Alexis Mac Allister is there to head in the rebound, despite the Qarabag ‘keepers best efforts to keep it from crossing the line.
Liverpool 0-0 Qarabag
20:15 , Alex Dakers14mins: The first corner of the game is Liverpool’s, Dominik Szoboszlai to take.
What can the Hungarian conjure up?
Liverpool 0-0 Qarabag
20:14 , Alex Dakers13mins: Mo Salah lifts the ball into a dangerous area on the left of the six-yard box, but an acrobatic Cody Gakpo can’t quite connect to force it goalward.
Liverpool 0-0 Qarabag
20:13 , Alex Dakers12mins: That’s better from the hosts - It’s worked out to the left for Hugo Ekitike, the Frenchman cuts across the edge of the box onto his right foot but curls his effort wide of the far post.
Liverpool 0-0 Qarabag
20:11 , Alex Dakers9mins: The first clean shot of the match is taken by Qarabag’s front man and leading Champions League goal-scorer Camilo Duran, and saved by Alisson.
Liverpool 0-0 Qarabag
20:06 , Alex Dakers5mins: Heartbreaking for Frimpong, who has endured a series of injuries since his arrival at Anfield and was just starting to string together a run of starts.
We’ll bring you the latest information we received on the nature of that lower limb injury.
It looks like Szoboszlai is still in the middle of the park, so Endo is on the right side of the backline.
That’ll be a target area for Qarabag, you’d imagine.
Liverpool 0-0 Qarabag
20:04 , Alex Dakers4mins: Dominik Szoboszlai signals that his teammate needs to be replaced, having pulled up under no contact.
Frimpong goes off, clearly and understandably upset.
On comes Wataru Endo.
Does that mean Szoboszlai fills in at right-back? Let’s see...
Liverpool 0-0 Qarabag
20:03 , Alex Dakers3mins: Oh no... Jeremie Frimpong has gone down and is having a poke at his groin.
KICK-OFF
20:01 , Alex Dakers1mins: Away we go at Anfield!
Warm welcome for Robbo
20:00 , Alex DakersAndy Robertson is serenaded by the home support as he takes his tracksuit top off.
The Scotland skipper was the subject of a transfer approach from Tottenham this month, but it seems like he’ll be staying put.
He starts at left-back tonight.
Players out on the pitch
19:58 , Alex DakersThe Champions League anthem rings out as both squads take to the pitch.
Who’s ready for a big night of football?
A quick reminder of our sets of line-ups...
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Gravenberch, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Subs: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Endo, Kerkez, Chiesa, Nyoni, Nallo, Morrison, Ngumoha
Qarabag XI: Kochalski, Silva, Mustafazade, Medina, Jafarguliyev; Pedro Bicalho, Jankovic; Leandro Andrade, Montiel, Zoubir; Duran
Subs: Ramazanov, Buntic, Mmaee, Kouakou, Akhundzade, Addai, Dani Bolt, Kashchuk, Gurbanli, Bayramov, A. Huseynov, B. Huseynov
UCL permutations reminder: How can Liverpool qualify?
19:55 , Alex DakersKick-off is minutes away here at Anfield, and that’s the case across Europe.
With this being the final night of league-phase action, all 18 Champions League games are kicking off simultaneously!
We’ll have all the updates from Liverpool vs Qarabag right here - but what exactly do Arne Slot’s Reds need to secure qualification for the knockouts?
Here’s a reminder...
If Liverpool beat Qarabag: A place in the top eight will be guaranteed.
If Liverpool draw with Qarabag: A point could be enough, but only on the condition that results from elsewhere go in Liverpool’s favour.
In this scenario they would need Real Madrid, Tottenham, PSG, Chelsea, Barcelona and Manchester City to all fail to win their games - some by a large margin.
If Liverpool lose to Qarabag: The unthinkable! Defeat for the Reds and they would almost certainly have to settle for the knockout phase play-off.
The only scenario where Liverpool can lose and still qualify for the last-16 is if there is a draw between PSG and Newcastle as well as results from elsewhere going in their favour.
Teams in the tunnel
19:56 , Alex DakersHere we go...
Slot on Qarabag, Gravenberch at centre-back
19:51 , Alex DakersWe’ve heard from Arne Slot ahead of kick-off, with the Liverpool boss discussing his side’s opponents and the decision to field Ryan Gravenberch in central defence.
Here’s what he had to say: "[Qarabag] are quite comparable to what we face in the Premier League. A direct style of play, and I don't mean long balls but balls in behind, and fast attackers. One of the reason they have ten points is that these forward players, and the full-backs, have a lot of pace.
"We have to make sure that we have a lot of the ball, first of all because w have a lot of offensive players on the pitch, and secondly because they are a real threat if they have possession."
“The way they [Qarabag] usually press would mean that our right centre back can be quite influential in our build up.
“Defensively it wouldn't always be a midfielder in that position, but Ryan [Gravenberch] has pace. One and a half seasons ago he was an attacking midfielder, since then a number six and now he has to show his qualities as a centre-back."
A long way from home for Qarabag
19:47 , Alex DakersQarabag’s home ground, the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in the Azerbaijani capital city of Baku, is some 2,583 miles from tonight’s venue, Anfield, where the visitors hope to secure a Champions League knockout play-off berth.
That’s some way for the dedicated away fans to travel.
Will they be leaving here with something?
Less than 15 minutes until we begin to find out!
Players warming up
19:42 , Alex DakersBoth squads are out on the Anfield pitch to warm-up now.
Warm-ups underway ✅ pic.twitter.com/w43g8NGVHW
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 28, 2026
We’ll be underway in less than 20 minutes’ time!
Fan thoughts
19:38 , Alex DakersSome Liverpool fans don’t appear to be pleased by the thought of Ryan Gravenberch at centre-back...
Gravenberch at CB, the same guy that avoids tackles and easily gets walked past in the middle of the park. Genius move by Slot. #LIVQAR #UCL
— WirtzSZN (Kyri) (@KTsavaridis) January 28, 2026
Harsh?
Let us know in the comments!
Countdown to kick-off
19:32 , Alex DakersLess than half an hour to go until we get underway at Anfield!
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Liverpool do have one other centre-back...
19:30 , Alex DakersAmara Nallo, a 19-year-old centre-back, was added to Liverpool’s Champions League squad for tonight’s game.
The England youth international is on the bench today, and some Reds fans think he should have been given a chance alongside Virgil van Dijk instead of Ryan Gravenberch being played out of position.
Inevitably, Arne Slot will want to wrap up his side’s progression to the knockouts, which is probably why he has gone with the more experienced Dutch duo in the heart of his backline.
Qarabag line-up reaction
19:23 , Alex DakersQarabag head coach Gurban Gurbanov looks to have gone for a 4-2-3-1 just like Slot’s, but the Azerbaijani boss has named left-back Toral Bayramov - who has eight goals and three assists in all competitions this season - on the bench.
That’s because the long-serving gaffer has gone with the same team that started last week's 3-2 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Liverpool’s makeshift backline will still have plenty to deal with though, particularly with Leandro Andrade - nine goals in all competitions - and Camilo Duran - four goals and an assist in the Champions League alone - in attack.
-and-Leandro-Andrade-(R).jpeg)
Fan reaction
19:15 , Alex DakersAs the teams prepare to warm up, let’s take a look at what some of you have been saying on social media.
There’s at least one Liverpool fan out there who appears confident of a comfortable win, which would see the Reds sail through to the last-16 without the need for a play-off tie next month:
Liverpool will win tonight!
— Felly (@FellyTheRed) January 28, 2026
We will batter Qarabag and secure our spot in the top 8!
COME ON YOU REDS!#LIVQAR #ChampionsLeague https://t.co/HgMXSzszwE
Others of you are having a giggle at some confusion surrounding Arne Slot’s line-up:
LiveScore has also given up on guessing where our players are playing tonight #LIVQAR 🤣 pic.twitter.com/pdojdLQu8O
— Couch Nish 🛋️ (@CouchNish) January 28, 2026
We’re pretty confident that we have the Reds in their current positions - but we’ll find out for certain soon enough!
Kick-off is just 45 minutes away.
Reds on arrival
19:10 , Alex DakersArriving for our final game of the league phase 🫡 #UCL pic.twitter.com/ryPaVflrTh
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 28, 2026
Liverpool line-up analysis
19:05 , Alex DakersWataru Endo played most of Sunday’s Premier League defeat at Bournemouth in central defence alongside skipper Virgil van Dijk, when Joe Gomez was forced off through injury, but it’s Ryan Gravenberch who lines up there tonight.
The Dutch midfielder features in a backline that keeps Jeremie Frimpong at right-back, but gives a start to Andy Robertson, who looks to be staying put despite transfer interest from Tottenham.
Dominik Szoboszlai looks to be covering for Gravenberch in central midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister, meaning it’s Florian Wirtz who will operate as Liverpool’s No10 in what appears to be an otherwise normal looking 4-2-3-1.
Hugo Ekitike returns to lead the line, with Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo the wide men.
Curtis Jones misses out through illness, meanwhile.
Line-up reaction
19:00 , Alex DakersThoughts, Liverpool fans?
Let us know in the comments using the button up above this blog, or get in touch on Twitter/X with the hashtag #LIVQAR.
We’ll feature some of the best reaction right here throughout tonight’s match!
Qarabag confirmed team news in full
18:55 , Alex DakersQarabag XI: Kochalski, Silva, Mustafazade, Medina, Jafarguliyev; Pedro Bicalho, Jankovic; Leandro Andrade, Montiel, Zoubir; Duran
Subs: Ramazanov, Buntic, Mmaee, Kouakou, Akhundzade, Addai, Dani Bolt, Kashchuk, Gurbanli, Bayramov, A. Huseynov, B. Huseynov
Liverpool confirmed team news in full
18:48 , Alex DakersLiverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Gravenberch, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Subs: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Endo, Kerkez, Chiesa, Nyoni, Nallo, Morrison, Ngumoha
Qarabag starting line-up
19:15 , Alex DakersStart heyətimiz!#QarabağFK pic.twitter.com/xbWzxKb9nA
— Qarabağ FK (@FKQarabagh) January 28, 2026
Liverpool starting line-up
18:45 , Alex DakersThe team news has arrived!
The Reds to take on Qarabag 🔴💫 #UCL
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 28, 2026
Slot under further pressure if Liverpool lose?
18:35 , Alex DakersIn the home dugout, meanwhile, is a face far more familiar to the average English football fan.
Arne Slot took the Premier League by storm last season, storming to a title win in his first campaign in charge of Liverpool following the departure of club legend Jurgen Klopp.
This season has been far from the dream follow-up to that success, though, particularly on the domestic front.
The Reds are very much on the outside of the Premier League title race looking in, sitting sixth in the table and 14 points back from leaders Arsenal. They are also out of both domestic cups already.
Things have been better in Europe, thankfully, with Liverpool currently fourth in the Champions League standings ahead of tonight’s final full slate of league phase games.
They have 15 points, equal to that of third-placed Real Madrid, and a goal difference of six, which is notably the poorest of the current top 7:
Win tonight, and Liverpool’s final realistic chance of silverware is very much still on with a ticket to the last-16 confirmed.
Draw, and they’ll require results elsewhere to go in their favour (see post at 6:10pm GMT).
Lose, and it could be a long few days ahead for the Dutchman, particularly with two big clashes with Newcastle and Manchester City on the horizon.
Gurban Gurbanov: “Azerbaijan’s Sir Alex Ferguson”
18:30 , Alex DakersGurban Gurbanov, Qarabag’s head coach since 2008, was dubbed “Azerbaijan’s Sir Alex Ferguson” in a recent article by The Guardian.
The 53-year-old is one of the game’s longest serving professional football managers at a single club, and he has taken charge of 190 of Qarabag’s 204 European games, including tonight’s.
The Horsemen have won the Azerbaijan Premier League in 10 of the last 11 seasons and have become fairly regular features in the group stages (now league-phase) of the Europa League and Champions League in the last decade.
Gurbanov’s Qarabag aren’t afraid to get after their opponents and create chances to score. Indeed, they have beaten Benfica (A) and Eintracht Frankfurt (H) 3-2 in this year’s competition, as well as scoring twice in a draw against Chelsea, a loss to Ajax and a win over Copenhagen.
Qarabag's danger men
18:25 , Alex DakersQarabag forward Camilo Duran has four goals and an assist already in his debut Champions League campaign, with two of those returns coming in last week’s crucial 3-2 win over Eintracht Frankfurt which helped keep the club’s hopes of a knockout place alive.
He’ll be one for Liverpool to keep an eye on, as well left-back Toral Bayramov - whose eight goals in all competitions this season is a tally surpassed only by forward Leandro Andrade’s nine.
Head coach Gurban Gurbanov made 11 changes for his side’s Azerbaijan Premier League match against Kapaz at the weekend and ended up losing 2-0, leaving them four points off the summit of that table.
Attacking midfielder Kady Borges, who had been sidelined since November, returned to their squad for that game.
Perhaps the gaffer’s ill-fated squad rotation was done with tonight in mind, given a points (or three) at Anfield should given them a shot at making the Champions League knockouts for the first time - provided they can get through a two-legged play-off tie next month, of course!
Gurbanov has notably selected the same back five - goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski plus defenders Matheus Silva, Mustafazade, Kevin Medina and Elvin Jafarguliyev - to start all seven of the club's UCL league-phase games so far.
Liverpool predicted XI: Endo in makeshift backline?
18:20 , Alex DakersAs we mentioned in our early team news post a short while ago, Arne Slot will be without Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez for Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Qarabag.
Slot remains without Konate for this game, with the Frenchman absent for Liverpool’s last two fixtures after the death of his father, while Gomez is also absent after an injury suffered in Saturday’s last-gasp defeat by Bournemouth in the Premier League.
So, how could Liverpool line up - particularly at the back?
We’ll have the confirmed line-ups to share with you all within the next half hour, but for now let’s make some predictions!
Wataru Endo could deputise as a makeshift defender given Slot only has one senior centre-back fit in captain Virgil van Dijk, with summer signing Giovanni Leoni out for the season with an ACL injury.
Federico Chiesa is another with question marks over his fitness, after he was not able to sit on the bench against Marseille, nor did he feature against Bournemouth due to injury. He was, however, present in training ahead of the Qarabag match.
Alexander Isak remains side-lined having suffered a broken leg at the end of last year, while Conor Bradley is out for the season with a knee injury.
That leaves the Reds slightly thin on the ground in terms of numbers, but their quality should still shine through here.
Giorgi Mamardashvili could deputise for Alisson in goal should Slot deem the Brazilian in need of a rest, while Jeremie Frimpong is the only fit right-back in Bradley’s absence, though Dominik Szoboszlai can also be deployed there.
Andy Robertson could play despite transfer interest from Tottenham, and he replaced Milos Kerkez as a substitute at the Vitality Stadium over the weekend.
Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Endo, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike
Injured: Isak, Bradley, Gomez, Leoni
Doubt: Chiesa
Unavailable: Konate
How can Qarabag advance?
18:15 , Alex DakersQarabag also have a decent chance of advancing, but the knockout play-offs still aren’t a certainty for Gurban Gurbanov’s group.
Having won three and lost three of their seven outings so far, Azerbaijani side are 18th in the Champions League table with 10 points and a -2 goal difference as things stand, between Galatasaray (17th, also on 10 points) and a host of clubs on eight or nine points, including Marseille, PSV and Napoli.
If they lose at Anfield and enough teams below them win, Atlılar (”the Horsemen”) are very much at risk of slipping out of the top 24 places, which would mean they are eliminated.
A draw, meanwhile, may be enough to see them jump from the unseeded play-off places into the seeded spots (9th-16th), while a shock win would definitely secure a play-off berth of some sort regardless of results elsewhere.
UCL permutations: What Liverpool need to qualify for last-16 knockout stage
18:10 , Alex DakersArne Slot's side topped the league phase last season, only to meet and lose to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain on penalties in the round of 16.
Keen to go further this time around, this competition - along with the FA Cup - represents the Reds’ most realistic chances of claiming silverware this season and history suggests a more concerted push for European glory is possible.
Liverpool sit fourth in the Champions League table heading into tonight’s action, having won five of their opening seven games.
They lost away at Galatasaray and at home to PSV Eindhoven, but have otherwise impressed, with 1-0 wins over Real Madrid and Inter Milan probably the standout performances.
On Wednesday night, Liverpool host Qarabag in their final game of the league phase with progression to the knockout rounds already guaranteed.
Teams who finish in the top eight of the table will go straight into the round of 16, which begins on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
If Liverpool beat Qarabag: A place in the top eight will be guaranteed.
If Liverpool draw with Qarabag: A point could be enough, but only on the condition that results from elsewhere go in Liverpool’s favour.
In this scenario they would need Real Madrid, Tottenham, PSG, Chelsea, Barcelona and Manchester City to all fail to win their respective games against Napoli (A), Copenhagen (H) and Galatasaray (H), - some by a large margin.
If Liverpool lose to Qarabag: The unthinkable! Defeat for the Reds and they would almost certainly have to settle for the knockout phase play-off.
The only scenario where Liverpool can lose and still qualify for the last-16 is if there is a draw between PSG and Newcastle in Paris as well as results from elsewhere going in their favour.
Liverpool vs Qarabag match odds
18:05 , Alex DakersSo, how are they expected to get on?
Here’s what the bookies have to say...
Liverpool to win: 1/10
Qarabag to win: 18/1
Draw: 7/1
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Head to head (h2h) history and results
18:00 , Alex DakersThis will be the very first competitive meeting between Liverpool and Qarabag!
The Azerbaijani side had lost all previous meetings with English clubs in European competition coming into this season, before managing a 2-2 draw against Chelsea earlier in the current UCL league phase.
Liverpool vs Qarabag prediction
17:55 , Alex DakersDespite Liverpool’s mounting injuries, this is a presentable opportunity to get back to winning ways.
Qarabag have struggled on the road this season, stunning Benfica on matchday one but only scoring once in their two away matches since then.
Their exciting attack may cause Liverpool’s ramshackle defence some headaches, but the Reds should have the requisite class to pull out a result.
Liverpool to win, 2-1.
Qarabag team news
17:50 , Alex DakersGurban Gurbanov, meanwhile, appears to have the full complement of Qarabag players available.
Camilo Duran will be one to watch for the visitors.
The Colombian is Qarabag’s top scorer, with four goals in seven appearances so far during his debut Champions League campaign, having joined the club in August.
He scored a brace against Eintracht Frankfurt last time out, securing a win that helped put his side firmly in the knock-out round play-off picture - particularly if they can nick a point (or three) tonight.
Liverpool team news: Konate and Gomez out, Robertson and Chiesa available
17:45 , Alex DakersLiverpool suffered yet another injury blow this weekend as Joe Gomez was forced off in the defeat by Bournemouth after colliding awkwardly with Alisson.
With Ibrahima Konate still on leave following the death of his father, Slot is left with just one available senior centre-back for this match: his captain Virgil van Dijk.
Andy Robertson will also be available after talks over his transfer to Tottenham reportedly broke down this week.
That is a definite boost for Slot, though he will likely be forced into a makeshift defence on Wednesday, with Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley still sidelined.
Federico Chiesa did train on Tuesday, meaning a return to the matchday squad is likely. Alexander Isak is still out.
Where to watch Liverpool vs Qarabag
17:40 , Alex DakersYou can follow all of tonight’s action right here in Standard Sport’s live blog, but here are your viewing options...
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 2, with coverage starting at 6.30pm GMT ahead of an 8pm kick-off.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Date, kick-off time and venue
17:35 , Alex DakersLiverpool vs Qarabag is scheduled for an 8pm GMT kick-off today, Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
The match will take place at Anfield.
Follow Liverpool vs Qarabag LIVE
17:29 , Alex DakersGood evening and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of the Champions League clash between Liverpool FC and Qarabağ FK.
The Reds’ continental results have far outstripped the domestic this campaign. They breezed by Marseille last time out and come into the final league phase matchday sitting fourth, but automatic progression to the round of 16 is far from assured.
A slip-up against Qarabag could see Arne Slot’s side drop out of the top eight. With morale low in the Liverpool camp after a damaging last-minute defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday, and a few key players missing, opportunity knocks for the visitors.
Qarabag, known to their supporters as the Horsemen, have proven dark horses in this season’s Champions League. Their home ground, the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, is comfortably the most remote in the competition, and they have made use of the home-field advantage.
Currently 18th in the standings, the Azerbaijani group are at risk of elimination should they taste defeat at Anfield, but their promising goal-scoring record means they’ll be confident enough of securing a play-off spot.
With kick-off fast approaching, we’ll bring you everything you need to know about tonight’s match as well as play-by-play updates once we get underway.
