Salah Ends Drought As Liverpool Thrash Qarabag In Champions League

Mohamed Salah’s name rang out across Anfield on Wednesday night, as the Egyptian star finally ended his long goal drought in emphatic fashion. Liverpool’s 6-0 demolition of Qarabag in the Champions League was more than a statement win—it was a night of redemption, relief, and renewed hope for both Salah and the club. After nearly three months without finding the back of the net for Liverpool, Salah curled home a stunning free kick in the 50th minute, sending the crowd into a frenzy and putting the Reds 3-0 up. The relief on his face was unmistakable, and his celebration—beating the Liverpool badge on his chest—spoke volumes about his affection for the club and its supporters.

This wasn’t just any goal. It marked Salah’s first for Liverpool since November 1, 2025, when he scored against Aston Villa, and it came at a crucial juncture both for his personal journey and for Liverpool’s European campaign. The win secured Liverpool’s direct passage into the Champions League round of 16, finishing third in the expanded 36-team group stage and avoiding the perilous playoff route. For manager Arne Slot, it was a much-needed boost, easing the pressure that had mounted over the past turbulent months.

“It’s great to be in the top eight again,” Alexis Mac Allister, who netted twice in the rout, told reporters after the match. “But then I think back to last season when we finished top and then got Paris in the next round. It’s going to be very difficult, but we’ve done well to get there and it was a good night for us.” Mac Allister’s words capture the cautious optimism swirling around Anfield: the job’s not done, but nights like this are to be savored.

Salah’s journey to this moment has been anything but straightforward. Only weeks ago, his future at Liverpool was shrouded in uncertainty. In early December, after being benched for three consecutive games by Slot, Salah made headlines with a rare public outburst. “I’ve been thrown under the bus,” he declared, suggesting that someone inside the club was trying to drive him out. The comments rocked the Liverpool faithful and cast a shadow over his relationship with the manager and club hierarchy.

Amid the turmoil, Salah departed for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Questions about his commitment and future swirled, with speculation rife that he might seek a move away from Anfield in the January transfer window. Yet, upon returning, the 33-year-old winger was thrust straight back into the starting lineup, beginning three consecutive matches—including Wednesday’s Champions League clash.

For all the off-field drama, Salah’s love for Liverpool has never truly wavered. Even during his December outburst, he reaffirmed his loyalty: “This club, I always support it. My kids will always support it. I love the club so much; I will always do.” Those words now resonate more deeply in light of his badge-thumping celebration and renewed on-field focus.

The match itself was a showcase of attacking brilliance. Liverpool wasted little time asserting their dominance, with Alexis Mac Allister and Florian Wirtz each finding the net in the first half. The atmosphere inside Anfield was electric, anticipation building with every Liverpool attack. When Salah stepped up for the free kick early in the second half—after a clever lay-off from Dominik Szoboszlai—the crowd held its breath. His curling effort left the Qarabag keeper rooted to the spot, and the Kop erupted as the ball nestled in the corner.

That goal didn’t just end Salah’s personal drought; it symbolized a turning point. His teammates mobbed him in celebration, and the fans responded in kind, chanting his name with renewed vigor. The goal also seemed to lift a weight off Salah’s shoulders, and his performance for the remainder of the match was full of energy and intent.

Manager Arne Slot, who has faced his share of scrutiny since taking over at Liverpool, acknowledged the difficulty of leaving out key players like Salah. “I always find it uneasy if I leave a player out and even more a player that has meant a lot for this club,” Slot said last week. “You can work with a player for a long time and you have had success with them, but part of my job is making the decision that I think is the best for the team. But that is always an uneasy decision. Not only with Mo but every single player I leave out because of the work they put in. Their quality is enough to play, so it is always uneasy not to play players.”

Slot’s willingness to bring Salah back into the fold after the Africa Cup of Nations suggests that any bridges burned in December have at least begun to be rebuilt. The manager’s approach appears to be paying dividends—not just in terms of results, but in restoring harmony to a squad that has at times looked fractured this season.

Liverpool’s emphatic win over Qarabag not only secured their spot in the round of 16, but also provided a glimpse of what this team can achieve when firing on all cylinders. The Reds will now await the draw, where they could face one of Club Brugge, Galatasaray, Juventus, or Atletico Madrid. The memories of last season’s heartbreak—when, despite topping their group, they were drawn against Paris Saint-Germain and lost in a penalty shootout—still linger. PSG went on to lift the trophy for the first time, leaving Liverpool to rue what might have been.

But this time, there’s a sense that Liverpool, with Salah back among the goals and the squad seemingly united, could be a force to be reckoned with. The club’s new partnership with adidas has also given fans something to cheer about off the pitch, with the 2025/26 home and away kits proving popular among supporters worldwide.

As for Salah, speculation about his future will no doubt persist, especially as the January transfer window draws to a close. Yet, his actions on Wednesday night—his goal, his celebration, and his commitment on the pitch—suggest that, at least for now, his heart remains firmly at Anfield.

With the pressure eased on Arne Slot and Liverpool’s Champions League campaign back on track, all eyes will turn to the next round. Can the Reds build on this momentum and make a deep run in Europe? With Salah rediscovering his scoring touch and the Anfield faithful behind them, anything feels possible. For now, Liverpool fans can bask in the glow of a resounding victory—and the hope that brighter days are ahead.