A clever free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai sent Liverpool on their way to a vital away win over Olympique Marseille in the Champions League and took the Reds into the automatic qualification places.
The visitors dominated from early on at the Stade Velodrome, with Hugo Ekitike denied an early goal after straying offside, though Szoboszlai opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time with a smart set-piece as he fired under the wall to beat Geronimo Rulli.
Marseille started strongly in the second half but Liverpool soaked up the pressure while remaining a threat on the break, and the visitors all but wrapped up the points in the 72nd minute when Jeremie Frimpong’s clever dribbling was rewarded as Rulli turned in the Dutchman’s cross.
There was still time for Marseille to threaten but they rarely troubled the visitors and Cody Gakpo wrapped up the three points with the last kick of the game as he curled in for three, taking Arne Slot’s side into fourth in the Champions League league phase table ahead of their final fixture against Qarabag.
Follow all the latest updates from the Stade Velodrome below:
Mohamed Salah return overshadowed as Liverpool lay down Champions League marker
Liverpool player ratings vs Marseille: Salah struggles as Szoboszlai stars
Thursday’s briefing: Champions League trio cash in, as another offers cash back
Arne Slot sets his sights on a top-eight spot after Liverpool’s win in Marseille
Marseille vs Liverpool live
- Liverpool impressively beat Marseille 3-0 in Champions League
- Reds up to fourth in the Champions League table and in prime spot for automatic last-16 qualification
- 90+3' - GOAL! Gakpo rounds off win with powerful finish (MAR 0-3 LIV)
- 72' - OWN GOAL! Great work from Frimpong and his cross is deflected in by goalkeeper Rulli (MAR 0-2 LIV)
- 45+1' - GOAL! Szoboszlai's low free-kick fires Liverpool ahead just before half-time (MAR 0-1 LIV)
- 24' - NO GOAL! Ekitike goal ruled out for offside by VAR (MAR 0-0 LIV)
Mohamed Salah returns as Liverpool ease to victory in Marseille
Wednesday 21 January 2026 22:25 , Chris WilsonMohamed Salah’s Liverpool return was less impactful than he would have hoped as he was overshadowed by Dominik Szoboszlai in a 3-0 victory in Marseille which made a Champions League top-eight finish all the more likely.
While all eyes were on the Egypt international it was his close friend – and the team’s most consistent performer – who surprised the hosts with a clever free-kick under the wall in first-half added time.
The set-piece probably favoured Salah’s left foot but Szoboszlai took charge with a low shot which crept under the jump of Leonardo Balerdi and inside the post.
Mohamed Salah returns as Liverpool ease to victory in Marseille
Moises Caicedo’s late header spares Chelsea’s blushes in crucial Pafos victory
00:00 , Chris WilsonAnd the report from a narrow Chelsea win, with Kieran Jackson witnessing the action at Stamford Bridge...
For Liam Rosenior, his first-ever Champions League night concluded with an overwhelming sense of relief. On paper, this was as comfortable a European game as they come: Cypriot side Pafos, at home, with the carrot of a top-eight berth tantalisingly close. The reality, however, was an evening of overwhelming frustration. Ultimately, the Blues just crept over the line but, at this stage, three points were all that mattered.
Moises Caicedo, absent a week ago against Arsenal, has been Chelsea’s standout player this season and has added crucial goals to his bombastic midfield repertoire. Here, with just 12 minutes left, the Ecuadorian was the man on hand to head home at the back post from a Pedro Neto corner. Less all-out celebrations on the touchline and in the terraces, more sighs of liberation and relaxation.
Moises Caicedo’s late header spares Chelsea’s blushes in crucial Pafos victory
Newcastle prepare for glamorous revenge mission by showing newfound European class
Wednesday 21 January 2026 23:50 , Richard JollyThe report from Newcastle’s win tonight, courtesy of Richard Jolly...
It is a shootout at the Parc des Princes against the European champions and if the scenario can sound impossibly glamorous for Newcastle, it has the potential to bring a second dose of cruelty in the French capital.
For now, the team eighth in the Premier League occupy a higher position in the Champions League. They could be forgiven for wishing the league phase only lasted seven games, that the table could be frozen now.
As it is, it speaks to progress. A third straight Champions League win at St James’ Park came courtesy of Yoane Wissa’s best night in black and white, with the latest proof Anthony Gordon is prolific in Europe, if not England, and further evidence Harvey Barnes is excellent in each. PSV Eindhoven, demolishers of Napoli and Liverpool, were brushed aside. Newcastle, who began the evening 13th, ended it seventh.
Newcastle prepare for glamorous revenge mission by showing newfound European class
Steven Gerrard begs Arne Slot to ‘stop mentioning low blocks’ after Liverpool win
Wednesday 21 January 2026 23:30 , Chris WilsonFormer Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard claimed Reds boss Arne Slot “needs to stop mentioning low blocks” after the Dutchman blamed his side’s inconsistency on matches where teams sit deep.
Liverpool ran out 3-0 winners over Marseille at the Stade Velodrome on Wednesday evening as Slot’s side successfully navigated a potentially tricky away fixture, with the Liverpool boss praising his side after the win.
However, when asked what the key factor is to going on a consistent run of winning matches, the 47-year-old replied: “I know why we’re not consistent and that is mainly to do when a game is open, it is completely different than playing against a low block.
Steven Gerrard begs Arne Slot to ‘stop mentioning low blocks’ after Liverpool win
Szoboszlai : 'I did my homework'
Wednesday 21 January 2026 23:22 , Chris WilsonLiverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai hasd this to say on his free-kick:
“I did my homework and got told that if no one is lying down, then I can hit it under the wall. I tried it and it worked out.”
FULL-TIME! Marseille 0-3 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 23:10 , Chris Wilson
More from Slot
Wednesday 21 January 2026 23:00 , Chris WilsonHere’s Arne Slot with some interesting comments on his side facing low blocks:
"I know why we're not consistent and that is mainly to do when a game is open, it is completely different than playing against a low block.
“In a low block, it has not so much to do with what you prepared before the game, you just have the ball a lot, you get in the final third and something should happen.
“You cannot compare that with the game tonight when both teams want to press and play out from the back. If we're inconsistent, it's because we struggle with low blocks,” he added
On potentially avoiding play-offs, he explained: "People can see what a squad we have. We have three players out with injuries and we already don't have the size of squad that our competitors have, so it's important we don't play these games."
Slot reacts
Wednesday 21 January 2026 22:52 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Liverpool boss Arne Slot had to say after full-time:
"It could have been a tricky place to go and it is because of their fans but also because of their players and manager. We had to be very good today and we were. We should have done better in the counter-attack.
“We were very positive on the ball. We scored three and everyone will be more positive than when we create five chances but score one,” he explained.
"In the last 13 games unbeaten, we've only been 54 minutes behind. We had many earlier chances to win it today. Today, we probably deserve what we got. We weren't unlucky like we've been so many times this season.
Champions League table
Wednesday 21 January 2026 22:40 , Chris WilsonHere’s how the top eight of the Champions League table looks ahead of the final week of action then:
Up next
Wednesday 21 January 2026 22:30 , Chris WilsonLiverpool’s next match comes against Bournemouth this weekend, as they travel south to face the Cherries on Saturday, 24 January. That one kicks off at 5.30pm.
Their final Champions league match comes next week, as they face Qarabag a week today.
Champions League results
Wednesday 21 January 2026 22:20 , Chris WilsonHere’s the full list of results from tonight’s games then:
Galatasaray 1-1 Atletico Madrid
Qarabag 3-2 Eintracht
Atalanta 2-3 Athletic Bilbao
Bayern Munich 2-0 RUSG
Chelsea 1-0 Pafos
Juventus 2-0 Benfica
Newcastle 3-0 PSV
Slavia Praha 2-4 Barcelona
Van Dijk: 'Our performance was good'
Wednesday 21 January 2026 22:13 , Chris WilsonLiverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was first to speak to TNT Sports, so here’s what he had to say:
“It’s always difficult to play against de Zerbi teams. They can play out pretty easy, they persist and take risks, but if you win the balls in between the lines then there is space to exploit. But I think our performance was good, something to build on.”
On Joe Gomez, he adds: “Joe was outstanding, in the third goal he started it all off. I’m pleased for the whole team, everyone persisted, but that’s how you should be if you play for Liverpool.”
“I think we need to fully focus on recovery, then we go to Bournemouth, they’re a dfficult team to beat, a team that plays good football, and we have to be more than ready, but right now we focus on recovery,” he adds as he finishes.
FULL-TIME! Marseille 0-3 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 22:08 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Marseille 0-3 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 22:03 , Chris WilsonThat result takes the Reds into fourth in the Champions League league phase table, with 15 points.
Marseille stay on nine points and they are now in 19th ahead of their final league phase game.
FULL-TIME! Marseille 0-3 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 21:56 , Chris WilsonThat third goal is the final action of the game and Liverpool have wrapped up a vital three points in the Champions League!
GOAL! Marseille 0-3 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 21:55 , Chris Wilson90 +3 mins
GOAL! Gakpo adds a third!
He wraps up a comprehensive win for the Reds as he receives a pass from Gravenberch in the box before cutting back outside and curling it into the opposite corner.
Marseille 0-2 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 21:53 , Chris Wilson90 mins
Into the first of three minutes of added time this evening.
Added time starts with a great save from Alisson as Greenwood lays it off to Aubemayang, who fires too close to the Liverpool ‘keeper.
Marseille 0-2 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 21:50 , Chris Wilson88 mins
Liverpool knocking it around confidently as we approach the final whistle. Gakpo does well to beat this man on the outside before firing a ball across the mouth of the goal, but there’s nobody to tap it in!
Marseille 0-2 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 21:47 , Chris Wilson84 mins
CLOSE! A great chance for Mo Salah as Gakpo finds him with a cross. He’s 1-v-1 with Rulli but fires well wide!
He tried to score with the outside of the foot but it didn’t work out.
There’s another half-chance for Marseille but the header goes wide at the far post.
Marseille 0-2 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 21:43 , Chris Wilson81 mins
Good defending from the visitors as they do well to cut out a cross from Greenwood. They’re soaking up a fair bit of pressure but they aren’t being troubled at the moment.
Marseille 0-2 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 21:41 , Chris Wilson79 mins
Liverpool bring off Ekitike and Wirtz for Cody Gakpo and Curtis Jones.
That duo have been the best players on the pitch tonight by a distance.
Marseille 0-2 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 21:39 , Chris Wilson77 mins
Liverpool are happy to let the hosts have the ball at the moment, though they do so at the expense of a corner this time.
Alisson collects well from the ball in when under pressure, though he can’t release a teammate on the counter.
Marseille 0-2 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 21:38 , Chris Wilson75 mins
This game feels decided with that second, with the atmosphere flat at the Velodrome now.
Marseille mount an attack but Paixao’s header is never troubling Alisson.
GOAL! Marseille 0-2 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 21:35 , Chris Wilson72 mins
GOAL! Liverpool have a second, courtesy of Jeremie Frimpong!
It’s an own goal from Rulli, but it comes from great work from the Dutchman, who beats Paixao down the right before fizzing in a low cross that takes a touch off the ‘keeper and nestles in the far corner!
Marseille 0-1 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 21:32 , Chris Wilson71 mins
Salah heads wide from around six yards but the offside flag had gone up. He looks relieved, but it was a nice move from the visitors.
Marseille 0-1 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 21:31 , Chris Wilson70 mins
Alert defending from Gomez to cut out a cross from Greenwood that would have put Paixao clean through.
Marseille 0-1 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 21:29 , Chris Wilson68 mins
A chance for the hosts now, as Weah receives the cutback in the area before seeing his effort deflected behind.
The hosts make three changes as Pierre-Emerick Aubamenyang, Igor Paixão and Bilal Nadir come on for Kondogbia, Traore and Gouiri.
Marseille 0-1 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 21:27 , Chris Wilson66 mins
The Marseille defence hasn’t been able to deal with Ekitike all night and he finds himself free in the box again, though this effort flies over.
Replays suggest it might have been saved – it’s a superb stop if so!
Marseille 0-1 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 21:25 , Chris Wilson63 mins
CLOSE! This is a superb save in the end.
Liverpool fizz it into Wirtz in the box, and the German shifts the ball onto his favoured foot before trying to catch the ‘keeper out with an effort towards the near post.
Rulli is equal to it though, tipping it wide.
Marseille 0-1 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 21:22 , Chris Wilson60 mins
OFF THE POST! What a chance for the visitors!
Lovely build-up once again, with Szoboszlai found in-between the lines before slipping an inch-perfect pass into the path of Ekitike, who rifles an effort agains the woodwork from just within the 18-yard box.
At the other end, Marseille counter and sweep it wide to Greenwood, who fizzes a low cross to the back post that Traore fires over!
Marseille 0-1 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 21:19 , Chris Wilson58 mins
Well read from Gomez to cut out a through ball meant for Greenwood (who would have basically been clean through).
Marseille 0-1 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 21:17 , Chris Wilson55 mins
More pressure from Marseille but Gravenberch does well to stay on his feet before sliding in to dispossess Gouiri in the box.
The hosts come again though and the home fans have been buoyed by this positive start so far.
Marseille 0-1 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 21:15 , Chris Wilson52 mins
First chance for Greenwood, who skips away from a challenge and rifles a low effort that Alisson is forced to parry behind.
The forward picks up the ball in the box again from the corner and fires another effort that it deflected behind, and nothing comes of the next set-piece.
Marseille 0-1 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 21:11 , Chris Wilson49 mins
Half a chance for the visitors as Ekitike does brilliantly in the box before sliding a pass to Wirtz, but he doesn’t get the shot away quick enough.
Marseille 0-1 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 21:09 , Chris Wilson47 mins
An early sight of goal for Hojbjerg but he fires well wide from distance.
Moments later, Pavard gets the first booking of the day for shoving over Kerkez.
KICK-OFF! Marseille 0-1 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 21:06 , Chris WilsonBack in action at the Stade Velodrome! What will Liverpool serve up in this second half?
HALF-TIME! Marseille 0-1 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 21:03 , Chris WilsonIt was a cagey opening 35 minutes or so but Liverpool ended the half on top and took a deserved lead on the stroke of half-time, with Szoboszlai’s clever free-kick proving enough to undo the Marseille defence.
It means the Reds lead at the break at the Stade Velodrome, though they will need to be at the top of their game in the second half as they fight off the hosts, who mounted a successful comeback against Newcastle earlier in the season.
They’re halfway to a vital away win but Liverpool will need to produce another solid 45 minutes to earn the three points this evening.
We’ll be back underway soon.
HALF-TIME! Marseille 0-1 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 20:56 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Marseille 0-1 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 20:51 , Chris WilsonThat free-kick was almost the last action of the half as the referee blows the whistle.
The visitors go into the break ahead courtesy of a clever free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai, and it’s certainly a lead they deserve at the Stade Velodrome.
GOAL! Marseille 0-1 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 20:50 , Chris Wilson45 +1 mins
GOAL! A lovely hit from Szoboszlai and Liverpool are definitely ahead this time!
The Hungarian goes under the wall rather than over, hitting it low as they jump and beating Rulli with a low effort into the corner!
Marseille 0-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 20:48 , Chris Wilson44 mins
The penalty appeal is waved away as replays show there was little in it.
Back to the free-kick then, which Salah and Szoboszlai are sizing up from just over 20 yards.
Marseille 0-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 20:47 , Chris Wilson43 mins
Liverpool want a penalty as a deep cross from Frimpong comes off Weah’s arm in the Marseille area. It’ll be checked!
Moments later, Liverpool win a free-kick in a dangerous area after Balerdi brings down Gravenberch.
Marseille 0-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 20:43 , Chris Wilson40 mins
CHANCE! Almost a superb goal from Mo Salah!
Liverpool counter quickly and Wirtz spreads it wide to Frimpong, who has plenty of space to get to the edge of the area and fizz in a cross.
It’s an enticing ball in towards Salah at the near post, and the Egyptian can only manage to flick it onto the roof of the net.
Marseille 0-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 20:41 , Chris Wilson37 mins
Good defending from Balerdi to cut out a promising through ball from Salah.
The visitors come again and Pavard does brilliantly to put a challenge in on Wirtz before he can geta shot away in the area.
Liverpool have certainly begun to look the brighter of the two teams.
Marseille 0-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 20:38 , Chris Wilson35 mins
Another half-chance for Liverpool as Salah swings in a lovely chipped pass into the path of Ekitike, but the Frenchman had strayed offside again.
Marseille 0-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 20:35 , Chris Wilson32 mins
It’s been a cagey affair so far at the Stade Velodrome, with very little in it so far.
Szoboszlai swings in a free-kick from deep but it’s never troubling the home defence.
The visitors come again but Kerkez loops in a cross that goes out for a goal kick.
Marseille 0-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 20:32 , Chris Wilson29 mins
Kondogbia gets very lucky as he tries a silly flick in his own half and almost gives Liverpool a 3-v-2 in attack, but the defender does well to dive in and take it away from Szoboszlai.
Marseille 0-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 20:30 , Chris Wilson27 mins
CHANCE!
Marseille win a free-kick midway into the Liverpool half. It’s swung in and falls kindly for Gouiri at the far post. He lines up the shot and rifles an effort that Alisson does well to parry away from danger.
DISALLOWED GOAL! Marseille 0-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 20:27 , Chris Wilson23 mins
DISALOWED GOAL! Liverpool thought they were ahead, but Ekitike is offside.
It’s was a lovely move too, with a little counter seeing Salah thread in a pass to Szoboszlai on the wing, before the Hungarian fizzed in a low cross that Ekitike tapped home.
Replays show he was quite far off, though it was a smart run from the youngster.
Marseille 0-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 20:25 , Chris Wilson22 mins
The hosts are just trying to keep possession to take the sting out of Liverpool’s attacking.
The Reds are happy to press high but this Marseille side are proving handy with the ball at their feet so far, even if it hasn’t clicked in attack yet.
Marseille 0-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 20:22 , Chris Wilson19 mins
CLOSE! Inches away from an opener in Marseille!
It’s all good work from Alexis Mac Allister, who is in the middle of some pinball on the edge of the Marseille area before he wriggles free and gets into the box, eventually firing a low effort just wide.
Marseille 0-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 20:21 , Chris Wilson18 mins
Better from Liverpool, as Ekitike’s header back across goal troubles the Marseille defence before Rulli clears against Medina for a Reds corner.
Salah’s ball in is cleared but the visitors come again, with Ekitike fizzing in a cross that has just a little too much on it for Salah to control.
Marseille 0-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 20:18 , Chris Wilson16 mins
Almost an opening for the visitors as Mac Allister finds Ekitike in the box, but the chances goes begging after the Argentine ends up losing it.
The visitors do well to prevent the counter though.
Marseille 0-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 20:17 , Chris Wilson13 mins
Both sides have settled in possession now, though it’s Marseille seeing more of the ball. They’ve already found space in between the lines on a number of occasions too.
However, Ekitike does brilliantly to hold up play and win a free-kick in his own half.
Marseille 0-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 20:14 , Chris Wilson10 mins
More possession for the hosts, with Greenwood fizzing in a cross that is cleared before Gravenberch fouls Murillo.
Marseille are enjoying plenty of the ball and they almost fashion a chance as Pavard is close to getting on the end of a teasing ball into the box, which Alisson did well to pounce on.
Marseille 0-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 20:11 , Chris Wilson7 mins
Clever goalkeeping from Alisson as he’s out of his area quickly to sweep away danger.
The hosts enjoy their first period of sustained possession, ending as Pavard is flagged offside as the visitors hold a great defensive line.
Marseille 0-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 20:08 , Chris Wilson5 mins
Kerkez gets away down the left to fire in a cross. It evades his teammates but Frimpong picks it up and the visitors eventually win a corner.
Salah swings in the set-piece and Gomez rises to head it, but his effort goes wide. The referee had given a free-kick to the hosts anyway.
Marseille 0-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 20:05 , Chris Wilson2 mins
An early foray forward for the visitors, with Gravenberch sliding a pass into the path of Wirtz, who has an early shot blocked.
KICK-OFF! Marseille 0-0 Liverpool
Wednesday 21 January 2026 20:02 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at the Stade Velodrome! What can Liverpool produce as they hope to cement a place in the top eight?
Marseille vs Liverpool live
Wednesday 21 January 2026 19:56 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are emerging from the tunnel at the Stade Velodrome, so we will be underway soon in this one!
Marseille vs Liverpool live
Wednesday 21 January 2026 19:52 , Chris Wilson
Slot speaks to TNT
Wednesday 21 January 2026 19:47 , Chris Wilson“It’s not the first time we’ll play in a hostile stadium,” says Arne Slot in a pre-match chat with TNT.
“It’s a great stadium, great atmosphere, away fans have made the effort. It’s a hostile environment.
On Salah making a return, he explains: “Mo, only once he wasn’t in the squad. I think the moments when I didn’t play him once or twice, we were struggling, and although we want better results we steadied the ship.
“Now, we sometimes miss goals, and if there’s one player in the history of Liverpool who’s showed that he can score goals, it’s Mo Salah.
“Let’s hope we can keep our balance in terms of not conceding as much, and being able to create as much, then I’m sure Mo will be one of the players who’s able to score a goal.”
He adds that Konate is not present at the Stade Velodrome due to family matters.
Slot on de Zerbi
Wednesday 21 January 2026 19:40 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Arne Slot had to say on Roberto de Zerbi ahead of tonight’s match:
“I regard him as one of the best managers in the world. In my opinion, it should not always be judged on the amount of trophies you win, it should also be judged on the fact of how you let your team play.
“I think he is already working at a very big club because Marseille is a very big club, [both] at the moment and history-wise as well. I'm not the one that is hiring coaches but if I was one, he would definitely be very high on a list if I worked at a big club. I always like to watch his teams.
“He's a very good manager, it's not always fair to judge managers only on what they win, the style of play should also be very important as well, in my opinion, and the development of players.
“That's what you see with him, that players always develop very well and then sometimes when he leaves these players are not as good as they were with him and that usually tells me how good a manager you are,” he added.
Match stats
Wednesday 21 January 2026 19:35 , Chris WilsonPierre Emerick-Aubameyang has scored 13 goals in major European competition for Marseille, netting three in the Champions League this term and 10 in the 2023-24 UEFA Europa League. Only Jean-Pierre Papin (23) has scored more for the club across major European competitions (excluding qualifiers).
Only Kylian Mbappé (9) has been involved in more Champions League goals than Aubameyang this season (7). With three goals and four assists, it’s the Gabon striker’s second best return in a single campaign in the competition after 2016/17 (7 goals, 1 assist).
UCL table
Wednesday 21 January 2026 19:25 , Chris WilsonLiverpool begin the day in 11th in the Champions League league phase table, though the Reds could potentially go as high as fourth with a win this evening (depending on results elsewhere).
Marseille are currently in 16th ahead of kick-off, though they could move as high as ninth with a win this evening.
Match stats
Wednesday 21 January 2026 19:17 , Chris WilsonMarseille’s 2-1 win against Newcastle in November ended a 12-game winless run against English sides in all competitions (D3 L9).
The last time the French side beat two different Premier League clubs in the same European campaign was in 2003/04, when they beat Newcastle and Liverpool in the UEFA Cup.
Marseille are on a run of 30 UEFA Champions League games without a draw (W8 L22) while Liverpool haven’t drawn any of their last 27 (W19 L8). It’s the two longest runs without a draw in the competition’s history.
Why Arne Slot’s stalling revival could hinge on Liverpool’s trip to Marseille
Wednesday 21 January 2026 19:10 , Chris WilsonTwelve-game unbeaten runs do not tend to be greeted by boos. The soundtrack on the final whistle at Anfield on Saturday, however, showed it is possible to be undefeated but unimpressive. Make it 13 at the Stade Velodrome and there will be greater reasons to argue a corner has been turned.
As it is, Liverpool have headed to Marseille with the jury out: on a revival that has seem to have stalled on Arne Slot. Social media polls and knee-jerk reactions are no reliable guide, and nor should they be the basis for sound decision-making, yet while Liverpool have plenty to play for in three competitions, the next few months are also significant for a sense of feeling: is the team headed in the right direction, the manager finding a formula that incorporates many of the arrivals in a record spending spree, or are Slot’s Liverpool going nowhere?
Why Arne Slot’s stalling revival could hinge on Liverpool’s trip to Marseille
Team news
Wednesday 21 January 2026 19:02 , Chris WilsonRoberto de Zerbi has made two changes to the team that beat Angers 5-2 at the weekend. Benjamin Pavard replaces Emerson at left wingback, while Bilal Nadir drops out in favour of Geoffrey Kondogbia in midfield.
Team news
Wednesday 21 January 2026 18:57 , Chris WilsonMohamed Salah returns for Liverpool as Arne Slot makes three changes to the side that drew to Burnley. Salah replaces Cody Gakpo on the wing, with Alexis Mac Allister coming in for Curtis Jones and Joe Gomez replacing Ibrahima Konate in defence.
Line-ups
Wednesday 21 January 2026 18:52 , Chris WilsonMarseille XI: Rulli; Murillo, Balerdi, Medina, Pavard, Kondogbia, Hojbjerg, Weah, Greenwood, Traore, Gouiri.
Subs: De Lange, Van Neck, Egan-Riley, Gomes, Vermeeren, Nadir, Bakola, Doubal, O’Riley, Paixao, Mmadi, Aubameyang.
𝐋𝐀 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎’ 🤯
— Olympique de Marseille (@OM_Officiel) January 21, 2026
Le 𝗫𝗜 𝗱𝗲 𝗱𝗲́𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 aligné par 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗲 𝗭𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗶 🇮🇹 pour affronter Liverpool ! ⚔️ #OMLFC pic.twitter.com/EndDALvXIC
Line-ups
Wednesday 21 January 2026 18:47 , Chris WilsonLiverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Gomez, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Ekitike, Wirtz.
Subs: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Endo, Chiesa, Jones, Gakpo, Robertson, Nyoni, Ngumoha.
The Reds to take on Marseille ✨ #UCL
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 21, 2026
Team news
Wednesday 21 January 2026 18:40 , Chris WilsonThe starting line-ups will be released in the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news...
Derek Cornelius and Ruben Blanco remain absent for Marseille, while this game will come too soon for Nayef Aguerd after his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) final.
Mohamed Salah has been included in the Liverpool squad after returning from Afcon, but Ibrahima Konate has not travelled having returned to France for family reasons. Joe Gomez is likely to partner Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai wants to put ‘tough’ week behind him
Wednesday 21 January 2026 18:30 , Chris WilsonDominik Szoboszlai is determined to put the worst week of his Liverpool career behind him as the Champions League returns with a top-eight place at stake.
The Hungary captain hit the crossbar with a first-half penalty in the 1-1 draw against Burnley on Saturday, five days after he gifted Barnsley a goal with a backheel in his own six-yard box.
Szoboszlai still has a lot of credit in the bank – he began the FA Cup win over the Tykes with a brilliant 35-yard strike – as the team’s best player this season but he is determined to rediscover his high standards.
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai wants to put ‘tough’ week behind him
Head-to-head
Wednesday 21 January 2026 18:20 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have faced each other four times in this competition in the past, with Liverpool winning three and the French side winning the other.
All four meetings came within a two-year span too, with the first two arriving in the group stages in 2007/08. The French side won 1-0 away on matchday two but lost 4-0 at home on matchday six!
Both of the other meetings came at the same stage the next season, with the Reds winning both – 2-1 away on matchday one and 1-0 at home on matchday five.
Match stats
Wednesday 21 January 2026 18:05 , Chris WilsonMarseille have lost their last three Champions League games against Liverpool, most recently in the 2008/09 group stage (1-2 home, 0-1 away).
Liverpool have won just one of their last six away games against French sides in all competitions (D2 L3), though it was a 1-0 win at PSG in their most recent visit in March 2025.
The transfer miscalculation that saw Liverpool lose Marc Guehi to Man City
Wednesday 21 January 2026 17:58 , Chris WilsonNothing, it seemed, became Marc Guehi quite like his leaving. On the last day of August, he scored a stunning goal against Aston Villa. This, it seemed, was his parting gift to Crystal Palace. He was off to Liverpool.
Except he wasn’t. Four and a half months on, some 27 appearances later, with a different destination and a fee that is £15m less, his departure has caused ructions at Palace and may bring regret at Liverpool. Oliver Glasner’s evident unhappiness at the loss of his captain threatens to bring his reign to a premature end.
It was a sign that Palace’s glorious 2025 is giving way to a more uncertain 2026. A transfer triangle can at least offer a reminder of historic feats. Palace have won two major trophies in their history. Guehi lifted both, in the same summer, after Wembley triumphs over Manchester City and Liverpool. They became his two principal suitors; his destination was almost Anfield at the start of September, until Palace pulled the plug on the move. Now it is the Etihad Stadium instead.
The transfer miscalculation that saw Liverpool lose Marc Guehi to Man City
Mohamed Salah travels with Liverpool squad for Marseille clash
Wednesday 21 January 2026 17:43 , Chris WilsonMohamed Salah could make his Liverpool return in Wednesday’s Champions League clash at Marseille.
The Egypt forward has been included in Arne Slot’s travelling squad after rejoining his team-mates for training on Tuesday following his exploits at the Africa Cup of Nations.
However, France centre-back Ibrahima Konate was absent from the lunchtime session and the squad list due to personal reasons and it is understood he is already back in his homeland.
Mohamed Salah travels with Liverpool squad for Marseille clash
When is Marseille vs Liverpool?
Wednesday 21 January 2026 17:28 , Chris WilsonMarseille vs Liverpool is due to kick off at 8pm GMT on Wednesday 21 January at the Stade Velodrome.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage on the channel from 7pm GMT. A live stream will be available via discovery+.
Predicted line-ups
Wednesday 21 January 2026 17:17 , Chris WilsonMarseille XI: Rulli; Murillo, Balerdi, Medina, Emerson; O'Riley, Hojbjerg; Weah, Greenwood, Paixao; Aubameyang.
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Gomez, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Jones, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Wirtz, Ekitike, Gakpo.
Team news
Wednesday 21 January 2026 17:12 , Chris WilsonMohamed Salah has been included in the Liverpool squad after returning from Afcon, but Ibrahima Konate has not travelled having returned to France for family reasons. Joe Gomez is likely to partner Virgil van Dijk.
Team news
Wednesday 21 January 2026 17:08 , Chris WilsonDerek Cornelius and Ruben Blanco remain absent for Marseille, while this game will come too soon for Nayef Aguerd after his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) final.
Marseille vs Liverpool live
Wednesday 21 January 2026 17:04 , Chris WilsonLiverpool return to Champions League action hoping that their European campaign again proves a welcome distraction from domestic struggles.
A 1-1 draw with Burnley prevented Arne Slot’s side from gaining on those above them with their hopes of a Premier League title defence seemingly long gone, and pressure has begun to build on the Dutchman.
Wins over Inter Milan and Real Madrid have previously come at the right time for Slot and his side, though, and they will hope for similar as they visit Marseille as the fight for top eight places intensifies.
Managed by Roberto De Zerbi, the French club would move level on points with their opponents with victory here and showed their forward threat by scoring five goals against Angers at the weekend.
Good evening
Wednesday 21 January 2026 16:57 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s Champions League fixture between Liverpool and Marseille.
The Reds come into their penultimate match of the league phase campaign hoping to take a step closer to the top eight and automatic qualification, having started the week in ninth on goal difference alone.
However, Arne Slot’s side are producing mixed performances and the pressure is on the Dutchman once again as they face a talented Marseille side at the Stade Velodrome.
And we’ll have all the latest team news and updates right here.
