Liverpool ended a run of four straight defeats in all competitions with a dominant 5-1 victory at Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.
The big news ahead of kick-off was Arne Slot dropping talisman Mo Salah to the bench for a second straight European game and it looked like a decision that could backfire as former Leeds defender Rasmus Kristensen (26) finished a fine Eintracht move to give the hosts the lead.
If Liverpool’s defending left a lot to be desired for Kristensen’s goal, Eintracht matched them. The hosts were caught up the pitch and Andy Robertson’s pass released Hugo Ekitike (35) in on goal, with the striker keeping his composure to score against his former side.
It was the start of blistering period for Liverpool as they added two more goals to make it three in nine minutes before the break.
The Eintracht defence went wandering again as Virgil van Dijk (39) and Ibrahima Konate (44) both scored headers from corners to give Liverpool breathing space at the break.
Alexander Isak was replaced at the break by Federico Chiesa but Liverpool’s attack didn’t slow down in the second half.
Florian Wirtz teed up Cody Gakpo for Liverpool’s fourth (66) and the goals continue to flow for the Premier League champions as Dominik Szoboszlai’s long-range cracker (70) found the bottom corner.
Salah was eventually introduced with 15 minutes to go but despite a couple of late chances, he could not get on the scoresheet as his run of games without a goal extended to six, but it was a result that saw Liverpool get back on track on a confidence-boosting night for Slot’s side.
More to follow…
