Liverpool are back in the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in four years after a commanding 4-0 win over Galatasaray at Anfield, coming through 4-1 on aggregate to set up a tie against holders PSG.
It had been a difficult week for Arne Slot’s side, and they came into the game needing to overturn a one-goal deficit from the first leg. Szoboszlai got them level on aggregate with a tidy left-footed finish from a well-worked corner, after Mac Allister picked out his late run into the box.
Liverpool nearly doubled their lead shortly after when Salah’s chip was pushed away by Cakir, who then denied Szoboszlai a second. Szoboszlai was then brought down in the box and Liverpool had a penalty, but Salah made a mess of the spot kick and Cakir kept it out comfortably. The keeper then pulled off a brilliant double save to deny Salah again and Wirtz.
It still felt nervy going into the second half, but two goals in two minutes settled it. Mac Allister played in Salah, whose cross was turned home by Ektike. Then Gravenberch reacted quickest to a rebound after Salah’s shot was saved, and Liverpool were suddenly two goals up on aggregate. Salah rounded off the night with a trademark curling finish into the far corner for his 50th Champions League goal, making him the first African player to reach that milestone.
Mac Allister thought he had added a fourth deep into injury time but it was ruled out for a foul in the build-up. No matter, Liverpool had done the job convincingly.
Galatasaray had a night to forget, also losing both Osimhen and Lang to injury, and have now won just once in their last 15 European away games.
