SOCCER: Clinical Liverpool edge closer to last 16 with Marseille win

MARSEILLE, France — Liverpool continued their strong run in the Champions League as they defeated Olympique de Marseille 3-0 away on Wednesday. The victory extended Liverpool’s unbeaten streak to 13 matches across all competitions and brought them one step closer to direct qualification for the Champions League Round of 16.

The Reds took control of the match with goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo, with an own goal from Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli in between. The win secured Liverpool 15 points, placing them comfortably in the top eight of their group ahead of the final matchday.

Marseille, meanwhile, remain in the race for a playoff spot with nine points, despite the loss. The Ligue 1 side will face Club Brugge in their final group game and need a positive result to stay alive in Europe.

Liverpool, currently fourth in the group, will host Qarabag next and a win would confirm their place in the Round of 16.

Liverpool Shows Strength, Marseille Struggles Again

Liverpool looked sharp and confident as they continued their recovery after a difficult period earlier in the season. Marseille, on the other hand, struggled to match the Reds’ quality on Europe’s biggest stage.

“It’s always difficult to play against De Zerbi teams because if you aren’t front-footed, they can play out easily,” said Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, who made his 350th appearance for the club.

“They keep on playing and taking risks, so if you win the ball between the lines, then you have a chance. I’m pleased with the team — everybody put in a shift,” added the Dutch center back.

Van Dijk also warned about Liverpool’s next Premier League match against Bournemouth.

“We always say after a win or good result to keep momentum. But Bournemouth are a difficult team to beat. They play very good football and we have to be more than ready. We will recover and go again.”

Marseille Still Learning the Difference

Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi admitted that the match exposed the gap between the two teams.

“It’s tough. They played a good game. We were not well in the first half. We tried our best but it’s very tough. They’re used to playing like this,” Balerdi said.

“You can’t see it from outside the pitch but it’s very tough.”

Key Moments of the Match

Liverpool lined up with Mohamed Salah starting for the first time since November. Joe Gomez also played at center back due to Ibrahima Konate’s absence for personal reasons.

The match began cautiously, with Liverpool controlling much of the first half but lacking sharpness in attack. Salah had an early chance after being set up by Jeremie Frimpong, but his shot went over the bar.

Marseille had a few chances as well. Mason Greenwood’s free kick led to a powerful shot by Amine Gouiri, which forced a strong save from Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

Liverpool thought they had scored through Hugo Ekitike, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Szoboszlai Breaks the Deadlock

Liverpool finally opened the scoring at the end of the first half when Szoboszlai fired a low free kick under the wall, giving the Reds a deserved lead.

Marseille showed more urgency after halftime, but Liverpool remained in control. The Reds doubled their lead in the 73rd minute when Frimpong’s low cutback deflected off goalkeeper Rulli and rolled into the net as an own goal.

Liverpool added a third goal during injury time when Szoboszlai released Ryan Gravenberch, who set up Cody Gakpo for a composed finish. -Writing by Julien Pretot in ParisEditing by Toby Davis/Reuters