A confident display – including goals from Mo Salah, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike – gave Liverpool a huge win over Qarabag and booked the Reds a spot in the automatic qualification spots in the Champions League.
The hosts lost Jeremie Frimpong to injury early on but they were on top from the first whistle, and they opened the scoring within 15 minutes as Alexis Mac Allister forced a header over from close range.
Wirtz’s tidy finish from outside the area doubled Liverpool’s lead before half-time and while they might have felt the game was done, Arne Slot’s side did not rest on their laurels, starting the second half even quicker as Salah curled in from a clever free-kick routine.
That goal all but sealed the result but there was plenty of time for the Reds to turn on the style, with Ekitike finishing a classy counter for four before Mac Allister added a fifth and Chiesa put the icing on the cake as the hosts cruised into the top eight.
And most of the rest of the Premier League sides also secured their spots in March’s knockout round, with Arsenal finishing top of the table while Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea won on the final day to sneak into the top eight.
However, it’ll be a play-off tie for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, who are set to face Qarabag or Newcastle after they could only muster a draw against holders PSG.
Follow all of the latest from the Champions League clash with our live blog below:
Liverpool vs Qarabag live
- Liverpool beat Qarabag 6-0 to secure spot in Champions League last 16
- 90' GOAL! Chiesa adds six to complete rout [LIV 6-0 QAR]
- 61' GOAL! Mac Allister scores second to seal it [LIV 5-0 QAR]
- 57' GOAL! Ekitike finishes counter for fourth [LIV 4-0 QAR]
- 50' GOAL! Salah curls in superb effort from free-kick routine [LIV 3-0 QAR]
- 21' GOAL! Wirtz doubles lead with tidy finish [LIV 2-0 QAR]
- 15' GOAL! Mac Allister header opens scoring [LIV 1-0 QAR]
Liverpool hit Qarabag for six as Arne Slot uses Champions League triumph to drown out noise
22:33 , Chris WilsonArne Slot said before the game it is going to be really difficult to shut down the noise around Liverpool given their struggles so far this season.
Yet this was a performance which surely turns down the volume a little. In Europe, the Reds are certainly setting a different tone to the one in the Premier League.
This was a six-goal rout of a side in Qarabag who are far from European royalty but are still competitive enough that their journey in the competition was not ended by this thrashing.
Liverpool hit Qarabag for six as Slot uses European triumph to drown out noise
Mac Allister: 'We've been better than the Premier League'
23:55 , Chris WilsonLiverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, speaking to TNT after their win:
"We skip two (play-off) games, which is important in a long season like this one. We were too open in the first half but we were much better in the second half and got the goals.
"I like getting in the box. Maybe some people will say I'm not that good when I get there. I'm still really angry with myself because it was a really good cross from Mo and it was a good chance to score the first hat-trick of my career.
"We know that in the Champions League, we've been better than the Premier League. We need to see the positives but need to think about the next one.
"We're going to have some feedback and review the game. See the positives and the negatives because that's how you improve,” he added.
Slot: 'We’ve been very unlucky with injuries'
23:45 , Chris WilsonFinally, here’s what Arne Slot had to say to TNT after his side’s win:
“Great result and a good performance. Unfortunately it took another player, when I said two days ago that we won the league, maybe that it helped us that we went out...
“I didn’t mean that, we were by far the best team in the league last season, but what I meant was that when we weren’t constantly 15 points ahead, there were times when we were seven, eight points ahead, and if this team had had the same injuries that this team is having [now], then no one would knows what the result would have been.
“This season unfortunately we’ve been very unlucky with injuries, because they haven’t been muscle injuries, but tonight again shows a double programme with players who are not used to that, and that can cause you injuries. That’s the downside.
“He will be out for a period of time, because if you have a moment like that and you have to go off straight away, that usually tells you what you need to know. We have to wait and see, there’s only a few days to go, so let’s wait and see what the upcoming days can bring,” he added.
When is Champions League draw? Date, time, teams qualified and how to watch
23:35 , Chris WilsonThe League Phase of the 2025-26 Champions League has drawn to a close after a dramatic league-phase finale.
The next 16 teams will enter the knockout phase’s play-off draw, with the top eight sides permitted a bye into the last 16.
That valuable rest, in a packed schedule, could prove decisive in the hunt for silverware.
Though Paris Saint-Germain proved it is not obstacle to winning Europe’s most coveted club trophy, dismantling Brest in the play-offs before a famous run to last year’s final and a thumping win over Inter Milan to clinch European glory.
Here’s everything we know about the Champions League knockout stage’s play-off draw:
When is Champions League draw? Date, time, teams qualified and how to watch
Mourinho: 'To win you need to take risks'
23:30 , Chris WilsonHere’s Benfica boss Jose Mourinho after that sensational last-minute goal to take his side through:
"Winning or losing games in the final moment, with the final play, has happened various times, but to win you need to take risks. You think it arrives but then it doesn't, so then you have to change a few things. In the end one ball [for them] could make it 3-3. And with that we would still be out. To win against Real Madrid carries importance and is significant. In that moment we had to give it everything."
On Trubin's goal: "We knew he could do it. In the game at the Dragao [two weeks ago],Trubin was also there in the final action and headed it but a Porto player blocked it. You have to put the ball in there. It was a spectacular goal that independent of our future in the competition, puts us into the next round, and was a moment of history against Real Madrid. It is important for a few reasons, economically important for Benfica, and even more so from a prestige point of view.
"Clearly when the free-kick was given I told Trubin to go forward and told Dahl to go on the halfway line in case they won back the ball so we could try to defend. Them going from 11 men to ten, it was still important to guard the back because winning will always be the most important. But the action arrived and we made more history at the Estadio da Luz,” he added.
WATCH: Trubin saves Benfica in last minute
23:27 , Chris WilsonHere’s that goal from Trubin!
THAT IS UNBELIEVABLE 🔥
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 28, 2026
Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scores a 98th minute goal to keep Jose Mourinho's Benfica in the competition 💥
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplus pic.twitter.com/Vqtndh565T
Jose Mourinho’s Benfica stay alive in Champions League with last-gasp goalie goal against Real Madrid
23:21 , Chris WilsonGoalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored an astonishing 98th-minute header as Benfica beat Real Madrid 4-2 on Wednesday to keep themselves in the Champions League and deny their illustrious opponents an automatic spot in the last 16.
In an extraordinary finale, the Portuguese side were heading out despite leading 3-2 with seconds of stoppage time remaining before Trubin came forward for a free kick to score the goal needed to sneak into the playoff round on goal difference.
That sparked wild celebrations from Benfica players, fans and their charismatic coach Jose Mourinho - a former manager of Real Madrid - at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon.
Mourinho’s Benfica stay alive in Champions League with last-gasp goalie goal
Guardiola: 'Really pleased to be eighth'
23:17 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Man City boss Pep Guardiola had to say after their win:
“I feel good. It was the first target, we had many chances to score more goals, we could not do that, but really pleased to be eighth, players will come back, and we’ll try and improve.
“The first half was much better than the second, the second we had more chances, but we were not at our best.”
On Doku’s injury, he says: “He’s a big miss, such an important player for so many reasons, but we’ll see.
“I’m happy for him, fantastic goal,” he adds on Erling Haaland.
Jeremy Doku sends Man City into Champions League knockouts but his injury causes concern
23:13 , Chris WilsonSome of the cheers came several minutes after the Manchester Cityplayers had left the pitch. The stands were emptying but the stragglers celebrated a Benfica goal. A fourth of the night against Real Madrid: sealing City’s place in the top eight. City had done their bit, but they ended up reliant on Benfica, Pep Guardiola grateful to his old enemy Jose Mourinho.
City had kicked off in 11th and climbed as high as fifth at one stage in the night. But they slipped down the standings. When Sporting CP got a late winner against Athletic Bilbao, City dropped to eighth, just the right side of the dotted line, waiting for injury time in the Estadio da Luz. Two Real red cards later, City had got into the last 16. They had done it the unorthodox way: victorious in the Bernabeu, losing in the Arctic Circle but beating Real ultimately had more significance than losing to Bodo/Glimt.
Doku sends Man City into Champions League knockouts but his injury causes concern
Pope: 'This is a really good step in the right direction'
23:10 , Chris WilsonHere’s Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope, speaking to TNT Sports:
"We knew we needed to win the game, that was evident coming into it. We did really well to stay in the game and had a couple of chances at the end there, but a really good performance.
"Another handball. When he goes to the screen you think it's going to happen. I was thankful to save this one. After that we looked really solid. Hopefully we won't have many more of them."
On saving the penalty: "It's not bad. I remember watching Alisson here last year and he had an unbelievable game. A little inspiration from him I think.
"This is a really good step in the right direction, I'm really pleased with that.
"There are things to work on. We came to this competition two years ago and didn't get to this stage. This is really exciting for us,” he added.
Howe: 'We didn't want the extra games'
23:07 , Chris WilsonHere are the words of Newcastle boss Eddie Howe after his side’s 1-1 draw with holders PSG:
"Really good resilience, character and quality. We had to deal with a lot today. Certainly the penalty decision against us was really harsh. We had to handle that and it was big for us. They were an outstanding team as well,” he explains.
"I was really happy for Joe Willock for getting the goal. That was Joe Willock of old. His goalscoring record when he first joined was so strong. He's had a tough time with injuries. He's been waiting for opportunities behind the scenes and I thought tonight was the right time.
"We wanted to win tonight, we didn't want the extra games. But we'll take it. We went down that route in the best possible way with a great performance against the holders. There's a lot to be positive about,” he added.
Newcastle denied last-16 spot as PSG draw sends them into Champions League play-offs
23:03 , Chris WilsonJoe Willock’s first goal in almost a year handed Newcastle a creditable Champions League draw at holders Paris St Germain as they clinched a seeded play-off place.
Willock’s header in first-half stoppage time – he last scored in an FA Cup tie at Birmingham on February 8, 2025 – cancelled out Vitinha’s early strike and ensured it finished 1-1 at the Parc des Princes, just as it had done two years ago.
The draw was all the more creditable after Eddie Howe’s men were hit by an early blitz during which goalkeeper Nick Pope saved an Ousmane Dembele penalty and Vitinha scored, but ultimately both sides slipped out of the top eight on a night when only victory was likely to be good enough.
Newcastle denied last-16 spot as PSG draw sends them into Champions League play-offs
Arsenal maintain Champions League perfect record after edging Kairat
23:00 , Chris WilsonKai Havertz scored and set up two goals on his first start in 357 days as Arsenal saw off Kairat 3-2 to complete a clean sweep of eight victories in the Champions League.
Mikel Arteta’s side were virtually assured of ending the group phase in first place prior to Wednesday’s contest at the Emirates Stadium.
But the hosts made certain of their table-topping status with a relatively straightforward victory against the Kazakh minnows.
Arsenal maintain Champions League perfect record after edging Kairat
Mewis-Skelly: 'We just want to embrace this title as favourites'
22:57 , Chris WilsonHere’s Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly after the Gunners secured top spot in the table this evening:
“First of all, the team were good today, at times we made it a bit harder for ourselves but at the end of the day we got the three points. I feel like it’s a step in the right direction,” he explains.
“For me, everyone wants to play football, but this group has a lot of quality, a lot of depth, so for me it’s an opportunity, I get to play, I’m the best version of myself, I express myself, and I feel like if I do that then the rest will take care of itself.
“W espoke a lot about enjoyment, conviction, that’s something that we discuss a lot. When we enjoy it, when we exude this conviction as a team, it spreads around the fanbase and the stadium.
“We just want to embrace this title as favourites and use it for us not against us,” he adds.
Romero: 'It's a fantastic win'
22:54 , Chris Wilson“Fantastic performance, everyone, I needed this fantastic win after a difficult time, but in the Champions League it’s top. It’s fantastic.
“It’s a good performance, I’m very happy. It’s like, in the Champions League we play maybe with another mentality, every game is like a final. This mentality is not easy but it’s close to winning every time, but we need this in the Premier League [too],” he adds.
Frank: 'The players showed great character'
22:51 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Tottenham boss Thomas Frank had to say after guiding his side into the top eight: "Very happy for the performance. The players showed great character and mentality.
"We were more or less in control from the beginning to the end. There are no easy games but we are sitting here with 17 points and finish fourth. I think it is very impressive,” he added.
"The fans were fantastic. They travelled in numbers and showed support throughout the game."
"It is not about me. I am very happy the staff, the players and everyone and how we prepared for these games in general is very positive."
On five English teams in top eight, he adds: "That is dominant. I think we all said for a few years the Premier League is the best league in the world and I think this is another sign of it."
Randal Kolo Muani haunts former club to help Tottenham into Champions League last 16
22:47 , Chris WilsonRandal Kolo Muani put an eventful couple of days behind him with a goal to send Tottenham through to the Champions League last-16 with a 2-0 win at Eintracht Frankfurt.
Kolo Muani was an unused substitute during Spurs’ disappointing 2-2 draw at Burnley on Saturday amid speculation former club Juventus wanted to bring the France forward back this month before he was involved in a car crash on Tuesday.
The Paris Saint-Germain loanee was fine and despite a late arrival in Germany, he grabbed the crucial 47th-minute opener against his old team before Dominic Solanke added a second to ease the pressure on under-fire boss Thomas Frank, with Tottenham remarkably able to finish fourth in the league phase of the competition.
Randal Kolo Muani haunts former club to help Tottenham into Champions League last 16
Rosenior: 'I’m learning all the time'
22:44 , Chris Wilson“I thought the character, the resilience in the second half was so positive, all the things I’m asking for,” says Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior.
“Joao Pedro scores magnificent goals, it’s a magnificent performance, and I’m delighted we’re through, delighted we won. For the lads to come from behind and show that character makes me very happy.
“I’m learning all the time, about the team, what we’re capable of, about maybe what I need to tweak.
“I’ve got outstanding players, I’ve got a group and I trust them, I’ve told them that,” he adds.
Pedro: 'It is very positive for us'
22:41 , Chris WilsonHere’s Chelsea match-winnr Joao Pedro on TNT:
“The coach said [at half-time] to try to be calm, and to try put our game on the pitch.
"The second half of the game was more open. Cole [Palmer] is a brilliant player when he is on the pitch - he is a special player.
"It is very positive for us because people have a lot of doubt about us. I think today we showed our power. We need to rest and now focus on the Premier League,” he added.
Joao Pedro stars as Chelsea seal top eight and dump Napoli out of Champions League
22:38 , Chris WilsonJoao Pedro led a Chelsea fightback that saw them through to the Champions League last 16 with two second-half goals to beat Napoli 3-2 at the Diego Maradona Stadium.
They had looked like being left to count the cost of poor form on the road in Europe and were facing a third away defeat in four games when Rasmus Hojlund gave Napoli the lead late in the first half.
Needing a win to dodge February’s play-off round, the Blues gambled with the three at the back with Reece James and Marc Cucurella in unfamiliar central defensive roles, a departure from the norm that appeared aimed at countering the system favoured by their opponents, and the move showed early promise.
Joao Pedro stars as Chelsea seal top eight and dump Napoli out of Champions League
Silva: 'We are happy'
22:30 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Man City captain Bernardo Silva had to say on TNT:
"We are happy, just very happy because we wanted to qualify in the top eight. With a bit of drama, we did it. Overall very happy because we avoid two games. With the schedule it's really important to do that. We need also to recover some players to arrive in the last months of the season.
“With the schedule, with the amount of injuries we have at the minute, to have those two full weeks to prepare the team, to recover some players, to focus on other competitions for now is going to be really good,” he added regarding missing the play-offs.
Champions League results
22:27 , Chris WilsonSome photos from around the grounds...
Newcastle finish 12th
22:22 , Chris WilsonEddie Howe’s Newcastle side drew 1-1 with PSG tonight, with both sides finishing in the play-off places.
The Magpies finished 12th, so they will face either AS Monaco or Qarabag in the play-offs, and they’ll feel like they can easily make it past either of those sides.
Champions League results
22:20 , Chris WilsonAfter the top eight, the teams between 9th and 24th go into a play-off round to decide who takes the other eight places in the last 16.
The play-offs will be made up of the following sides, with those in 9th and 10th drawn against either 23rd or 24th, those in 11th and 12th against 21st and 22nd, and so on:
Real Madrid
Inter Milan
PSG
Newcastle
Juventus
Atletico Madrid
Atalanta
Bayer Leverkusen
Borussia Dortmund
Olympiacos
Club Brugge
Galatasaray
AS Monaco
Qarabag
Bodo/Glimt
Benfica
Champions League results
22:16 , Chris WilsonSo, what do those results mean for the next rounds?
Well, the top eight in the table automatically go through and book their place in the last 16 of the competition. Those sides are as follows:
Arsenal
Bayern Munich
Liverpool
Tottenham
FC Barcelona
Chelsea
Sporting CP
Manchester City
Benfica 'keeper scores last-minute goal to stay in competition
22:11 , Chris WilsonBenfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin has just scored a superb header against Real Madrid to give his side a 4-2 win over Real Madrid and knock Marseille out of the competition on goal difference!
Benfica finish 24th and will face either Real Madrid or Inter in the play-offs!
Champions League results
22:07 , Chris WilsonThe final whistle has gone in the last of the night’s games, and we now know who has finished in the last eight!
But first, here are the full-time scores:
Ajax 1-2 Olympiacos
Arsenal 3-2 Kairat
Bilbao 2-3 Sporting
Atleti 1-2 Bodo/Glimt
Barcelona 4-1 Copenhagen
Benfica 4-2 Real Madrid
Club Brugge 3-0 Marseille
Dortmund 0-2 Inter Milan
Eintracht Frankfurt 0-2 Tottenham
Leverkusen 3-0 Villarreal
Liverpool 6-0 Qarabag
Man City 2-0 Galatasaray
Monaco 0-0 Juventus
Napoli 2-3 Chelsea
Pafos 4-1 Slavia Praha
PSG 1-1 Newcastle
PSV 1-2 Bayern Munich
Union SG 1-0 Atalanta
FULL-TIME! Liverpool 6-0 Qarabag
22:01 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Liverpool 6-0 Qarabag
21:59 , Chris WilsonThat result means Liverpool finish in third in the competition’s league phase table, with 18 points!
FULL-TIME! Liverpool 6-0 Qarabag
21:52 , Chris WilsonThe referee brings the match to and end and Liverpool cruise into the last 16 of the Champions League!
GOAL! Liverpool 6-0 Qarabag
21:50 , Chris Wilson90 mins
GOAL! It’s six!
Chiesa adds a late sixth as he takes a touch from van Dijk’s lay-off and lashes it past the ‘keeper!
It’s checked by VAR but it stands!
A slick counter from the hosts.
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:47 , Chris Wilson88 mins
Oh, what a chance! It all comes from a lovely ball in from Salah, with the clipped pass beating the defence and landing in front of Mac Allister, who fluffs his chance for a hat-trick as he fails to make clean contact from about seven yards!
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:45 , Chris Wilson87 mins
As it stands, Newcastle are the only English side not finishing in the top eight tonight!
At Anfield, Ngumoha is unlucky not to get a clean break on a shot from close range.
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:42 , Chris Wilson84 mins
Lovely run from Addai but he’s too isolated and, as has been the case several times, the Qarabag attack breaks down due to a lack of support and quality.
The hosts win the ball back easily and they’re knocking it around confidently now.
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:41 , Chris Wilson81 mins
Ngumoha tries to make somethig exciting happen but he ends up fouling his man as he tried to dribble past.
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:37 , Chris Wilson77 mins
Simple stuff for the hosts now and they are cruising into the automatic qualification places.
The Reds are third in the competition’s league phase table at present.
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:33 , Chris Wilson74 mins
More changes for the hosts as Gakpo and Szoboszlai come off for Federico Chiesa and Amara Nallo.
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:30 , Chris Wilson71 mins
Another dangerous free-kick for the hosts, this one from about 27 yards. Jankovic is booked for dissent for complaining.
Salah and Gakpo stand over it – the Dutchman sees his effort take a deflection and fly narrowly over the bar.
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:28 , Chris Wilson68 mins
First subs for Liverpool as Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni come on for Wirtz and Ekitike.
Qarabag bring on Bolt, Baymarov and Axundzadə for Andrade, Duran and Cəfərquliyev.
Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:25 , Chris Wilson65 mins
CLOSE! Almost a sixth as the corner isn’t cleared and it’s fired over by Salah!
Moments later, Medina doesn’t clear and Ekitike almost taps in Gakpo’s cutback!
GOAL! Liverpool 5-0 Qarabag
21:21 , Chris Wilson61 mins
GOAL! The Reds are flying now!
It’s a fifth of the night and a second for Mac Allister, who latches onto a loose clearance from the defender and rounds the ‘keeper before tapping in.
GOAL! Liverpool 4-0 Qarabag
21:18 , Chris Wilson57 mins
GOAL! Ekitike has made it four!
The frenchman manages to bring down van Dijk’s long ball before a classy touch to clip it past the last defender.
He races towards goal before slipping in a calm finish to make it four!
Liverpool 3-0 Qarabag
21:14 , Chris Wilson55 mins
CLOSE! A decent save from Kochalski as he tips wide Gakpo’s curling effort.
Liverpool 3-0 Qarabag
21:13 , Chris Wilson53 mins
The hosts were already totally dominant but they’re really enjoying themselves now, with Salah almost getting a shot away from close range before Ekitike heads over.
GOAL! Liverpool 3-0 Qarabag
21:09 , Chris Wilson50 mins
GOAL! And that wraps it up!
It’s a lovely goal from Salah from the set-piece. Szoboszlai runs over it and flicks it back, giving Salah an extra half-yard to curl it into the top-left corner!
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
21:07 , Chris Wilson48 mins
Some positive dribbling from Salah and he’s nipped right on the edge of the area. This is a very dangerous area for the likes of Szoboszlai!
KICK-OFF! Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
21:04 , Chris WilsonBack underway at Anfield!
HALF-TIME! Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
21:01 , Chris WilsonTwo goals so far in Merseyside, and Liverpool are totally in control as they cruise towards automatic qualification.
They’ll need to be alert as Qarabag have presented a decent threat on the counter, but all they need is more of the same in the second half.
We’ll be back in action soon at Anfield.
HALF-TIME! Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:54 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:48 , Chris WilsonThe referee brings the first half to an end and Liverpool have a comfortable lead at the break.
The hosts are fully deserving of it to, having cut open Qarabag on numerous occasions.
More of the same in the second half and the Reds will take their place in the top eight of the Champions League table!
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:46 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Into the first of two minutes of added time at Anfield.
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:44 , Chris Wilson43 mins
CLOSE! Almost a third for Liverpool as Qarabag fail to clear and it falls to Gakpo, who almost squeezes a half-volley into the far corner.
It was deflected behind again, and from the next corner Gakpo has another great chance, finding himself unmarked from about seven yards but failing to divert Salah’s cross past the ‘keeper!
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:42 , Chris Wilson41 mins
Liverpool still very much on top as the clock ticks to half-time.
Jankovic is dispossessed on the edge of the Liverpool box and the hosts sweep forward, spreading it to Ekitike before the Frenchman hits the side-netting with his deflected effort.
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:38 , Chris Wilson38 mins
Another promising opening for Liverpool but it ends with Szoboszlai firing too close to the ‘keeper.
The Hungarian may well feel he should have scored there.
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:36 , Chris Wilson34 mins
Qarabag don’t look bad on the counter but they’ve failed to create a clear-cut chance so far, while the hosts look like scoring almost every time they go forward.
Robertson is the latest to have a go from outside the area, but his effort flies over.
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:31 , Chris Wilson31 mins
More threat from the hosts but a promising passage of play ends with Robertson overhitting his cross as he tries to find Salah at the back post.
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:29 , Chris Wilson28 mins
Qarabag’s first decent bit of attacking play since the goals yields a corner for the visitors.
It’s swung in from the right but it’s cleared before Szoboszlai does well to dispossess Andrade.
Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:27 , Chris Wilson25 mins
Gravenberch can consider himself very lucky as he goes flying in and ends up producing a pretty poor challenge in his own area. That was rash, but it’s not looked at as the ref waved play on originally!
At the other end, Salah leads the counter but narrowly misses out on feeding Gakpo at the back post.
GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Qarabag
20:23 , Chris Wilson21 mins
GOAL! Wirtz has the second!
Ekitike picks up the ball in the Qarabag half and drives towards the area before slipping a pass into Wirtz’s path.
The German takes a touch and has plenty of space on the edge of the box before he rifles a low effort into the corner past the ‘keeper!
Liverpool 1-0 Qarabag
20:21 , Chris Wilson19 mins
The hosts had settled well and after breifly turning the screw, they found themselves ahead. They look very comfortable now.
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Qarabag
20:18 , Chris Wilson15 mins
GOAL! It’s not pretty but the hosts have the opener!
A corner comes in from the left and Ekitike wins the initial ball, with some pinball at the far post before Mac Allister heads it in!
The ‘keeper got his hands to it but the hosts are ahead via the help of goal-line technology!
Liverpool 0-0 Qarabag
20:14 , Chris Wilson14 mins
Another opening for Liverpool as Salah clips a ball towards the back post, but Gakpo can’t get clean contact as he slides in. He looked offside anyway.
Liverpool 0-0 Qarabag
20:12 , Chris Wilson12 mins
Half a chance for the hosts as Gakpo spreads it into the path of Ekitike, who cuts inside and attempts to bend his effort into the far corner, but it whistles past the post.
Liverpool 0-0 Qarabag
20:10 , Chris Wilson9 mins
First shot on target falls to Qarabag, with Montiel slipping a pass into the path of Duran, who fires straight at Alisson.
Liverpool 0-0 Qarabag
20:09 , Chris Wilson7 mins
The hosts see their first opening but Wirtz is unable to get a clean shot away after some pinball in the area.
Liverpool are beginning to dominate possession now but the visitors look fairly comfortable in possession already, though without threatening.
Liverpool 0-0 Qarabag
20:06 , Chris Wilson5 mins
Frimpong is indeed forced off, with Wataru Endo coming on in his place.
Qarabag try and seize the opportunity but van Dijk does well to stop Montiel progressing.
Liverpool 0-0 Qarabag
20:04 , Chris Wilson4 mins
A brief sprint and Frimpong pulled up almost instantly there, so it really doesn’t look good.
Liverpool 0-0 Qarabag
20:03 , Chris Wilson3 mins
No time to settle for either side and Frimpong goes down off the ball, and it’s already a worry for Liverpool and Arne Slot.
It looks like the Dutchman will have to come off.
KICK-OFF! Liverpool 0-0 Qarabag
20:00 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at Anfield! What does tonight have in store in Liverpool and around Europe?
Liverpool vs Qarabag live
19:56 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are emerging from the tunnel at Anfield, so we’ll be underway soon in one of 18 matches this evening!
Liverpool vs Qarabag live
19:50 , Chris Wilson
Slot: 'There weren't that many options'
19:45 , Chris WilsonWhen asked why he picked Ryan Gravenberch at centre-back, Slot replies: “There weren't that many options. As is it so many times, managers make decisions based on how the other teams plays and what they think their strengths and weaknesses are.
“The way they usually press would mean our right centre-back could be influential in our build-up.
“But Ryan has pace, and now he has to show his defensive qualities, but it’s not only about who’s playing as a centre-back,” explains the Dutchman.
Match stats
19:40 , Chris WilsonSince Arne Slot took charge of Liverpool in 2024, the Reds are the team with the highest win percentage in the Champions League, winning 13 of their 17 European games (76.5 per cent).
They might have lost to PSV last time out, but Liverpool have only lost consecutive matches on one previous occasion across 117 home games, with those two coming between October and December 2009.
Slot on Qarabag
19:35 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Liverpool boss Arne Slot had to say on the threat carried by tonight’s opponents:
"I think they’re quite comparable to what we play in the Premier League, a direct style of play.
“I don’t mean long balls, but balls in behind. Fast attackers, I think that’s also a reason they have 10 points.
“These attackers, these forward players, have a lot of pace. We need to make sure we have the ball because we have so many defensive players on the pitch and second of all, because they are a real threat if they have possession,” he added as he spoke to TNT Sports.
The Champions League is entering crunch time — and the stakes couldn’t be lower
19:30 , Chris WilsonIn the buildup to Arsenal’s trip to Inter last week, those at their London Colney training base couldn’t help notice a shift in mood. There was no tension, it was all rather relaxed. A largely second-string team then carried that onto the pitch by breezing through a 3-1 away win against last season’s finalists. Long-time club insiders couldn’t help contrasting to 20 or even 15 years ago.
“No pressure going to the San Siro for a Champions League game – imagine that.”
Needless to say, it wasn’t like that for the Premier League games either side of that win. And while some of that may be distinctive to Arsenal’s first place and a complex about winning the title, it is actually a common feeling.
The Champions League is entering crunch time — and the stakes couldn’t be lower
Match stats
19:25 , Chris WilsonQarabag lost seven of their first eight meetings with English sides, but they did draw 2-2 in most recent one in the Champions League against Chelsea on matchday four.
The Azerbaijani side have played four previous matches away from home against English sides, losing all four by an aggregate score of 13-1.
UCL Table
19:20 , Chris WilsonHere’s how the table looks going into the final matchday:
Six places in the top eight up for grabs 🤯#UCL pic.twitter.com/5ddpSxLhGA
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 28, 2026
Head-to-head
19:15 , Chris WilsonUnsurprisingly, Liverpool and Qarabag will meet for the first time in European competition tonight.
All three previous meetings between sides from England and Azerbaijan in the Champions League have been between Qarabag and Chelsea (two wins for Chelsea, one draw).
Why the Champions League has become so significant for Arne Slot’s Liverpool
19:10 , Chris WilsonLiverpool have only lost once in their last 14 games. They sit fourth in the Champions League table, level on points with Real Madrid, above Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. Their last two European nights have brought away wins over Inter and Marseille.
It is not the whole picture, though; it cannot be, when they are sixth in the Premier League, 14 points off the pace. A long unbeaten run came to an end at Bournemouth on Saturday. It brought a chorus of criticism: the “outside noise”, as Arne Slot called it. Much of it is concentrated around him. A title-winning manager may have lost the backing of some Liverpool supporters; it can seem so at such times. And if part of the issue is that too many of those 13 undefeated matches were actually draws that produced frustration, Slot is aware that if victories bring respite, setbacks prompt another outcry. Which, in itself, is revealing. The soundtrack can reflect a dissatisfaction with him.
Why the Champions League has become so significant for Arne Slot’s Liverpool
Team news
19:03 , Chris WilsonThere are 11 changes made by Qarabag boss Gurban Gurbanov, who replaces the entire starting XI that lost in the league to Kapaz last week!
Team news
18:56 , Chris WilsonArne Slot has made two changes to the side that lost 3-2 to Bournemouth at the weekend, with the injured Joe Gomez dropping out in favour of Hugo Ekitike, who leads the line with Ryan Gravenberch starting at centre-back.
Elsewhere, Andy Robertson replaces Milos Kerkez at left-back, with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai tasked with anchoring midfield.
Line-ups
18:52 , Chris WilsonQarabag XI: Kochalski; Silva, Mustafazada, Medina, Cafarquliyev; Jankovic, Bicalho; Andrade, Montiel, Zoubir; Duran
Subs: Mmaee, Kouakou, Akhundzada, Addai, Bolt, Kashchuk, Qurbanli, Bayramov, A. Huseynov, B. Huseynov, Ramazanov, Buntic
Line-ups
18:47 , Chris WilsonLiverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Gravenberch, van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Subs: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Endo, Kerkez, Chiesa, Nyoni, Nallo, Morrison, Mgumoha.
The Reds to take on Qarabag 🔴💫 #UCL
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 28, 2026
Team news
18:40 , Chris WilsonLine-ups will be released in the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news for both sides...
Joe Gomez is a doubt after clashing with goalkeeper Alisson in the weekend defeat to Bournemouth and possibly sustaining a head injury, while Ibrahima Konate is also a potential absentee following the death of his father.
Defenders Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley and striker Alexander Isak are long-term absentees, with Federico Chiesa another doubt after missing the last two games with a knock. However, Andy Robertson is available after his mooted transfer to Tottenham Hotspur broke down.
Qarabag are without the injured Kady Borges and striker Ramil Sheydayev, who is ineligible, but are otherwise able to field a full strength squad.
Slot: 'It's impossible to shut down the noise'
18:30 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Arne Slot had to say in his pre-match conference ahead of the visit of Qarabag:
“I think it's going to be really difficult to quieten the outside noise with the position we are in in the league. Even if we win a few games, every loss or every disappointing result will start the noise coming back again,” he explained regarding his side’s form.
“That's what you expect if you started the season as we did, not started but at a certain moment with so many losses. But it's impossible to shut down the noise at a club like this if you are not competing for the league. What we have to improve, for me it's so simple.”
On Qarabag specifically, he added: It's always the individuals and the players that make things difficult. In terms of playing style, they are very direct, fast players, go very direct towards goal with a lot of runs in behind, players who are comfortable on the ball.
“They've shown this season against big clubs – because there are only big clubs in the Champions League – that they are a very good team and a hard team to beat. Even [against] Chelsea they were able to keep them to 2-2,” he added.
When is the Champions League knockout phase play-off draw?
18:20 , Chris WilsonHere’s everything we know about the Champions League knockout stage’s play-off draw:
The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off draw starts at 11am GMT on Friday, 30 January 2026, in Nyon, Switzerland.
The draw includes teams that finished ninth to 24th place in the league phase, with the top eight sides in the league phase qualifying automatically for the last 16.
When is Champions League draw? Date, time, teams qualified and how to watch
Arne Slot expects Andy Robertson to stay at Liverpool after Spurs interest
18:10 , Chris WilsonArne Slot expects Andy Robertson to stay put at Liverpool this month after preliminary talks with Tottenham were held over a move.
Spurs made a surprise approach for the left-back last week, whose contract at Anfield expires in the summer and who had said he would like more first-team football after losing his place in the side to Milos Kerkez.
Liverpool considered Tottenham’s offer out of respect for Robertson but concluded that, as things stand, they need him at Anfield.
Arne Slot expects Andy Robertson to stay at Liverpool after Spurs interest
What Liverpool's rivals need
18:00 , Chris WilsonNewcastle
To the 13-pointers we go, and Newcastle are one of three English teams to be sat on the precarious tally. The Magpies start the day in seventh, above six of the eight teams on 13 points thanks to their superior goal difference of 10, but that will likely go in vain if they fail to get a result away to Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain - who are on identical points and goal difference to Eddie Howe’s side. Simply put, Newcastle will need to match or better the results of the other clubs in that cohort, and hope their goal difference is enough to carry them through to the last 16. Otherwise, the play-offs await.
Chelsea
Chelsea find themselves in a similar boat to Newcastle, though goal difference is playing less to their advantage. Just inside the top eight with a goal difference of six, they face reigning Serie A champions Napoli on the final matchday, who themselves face a boom or bust scenario. Napoli are at risk of becoming the highest-profile elimination from the league phase and need at least a point to ensure they make the play-offs. Antonio Conte, returning to Stamford Bridge, will therefore be expected to throw everything at the Blues, which could be detrimental to their top-eight pursuit. Just like Newcastle, Chelsea need to match or better the results of the other 13-pointers.
Man City
While also on the “unlucky for some” points tally of 13, last week’s shock defeat at Bodo/Glimt means Manchester City are far from certain for a top-eight finish. In 11th, they are the only English team starting the day outside of the last 16 qualification berths, while their goal difference of four is inferior to most of the 13-pointers. Hosting a Galatasaray side that dispatched Liverpool earlier in the campaign, Pep Guardiola may need to guide his team to a high-scoring win to avoid the play-offs, with a draw likely insufficient.
Jamie Carragher warns Arne Slot could be sacked if Liverpool miss out on Champions League
17:50 , Chris WilsonJamie Carragher has warned that Arne Slot could face the sack if he fails to deliver Champions League qualification this season.
Slot, who achieved what was predecessor Jurgen Klopp’s crowning glory of winning the Premier League in just his debut year at Anfield, has overseen a dramatic drop-off in his second season despite the club spending £450m on new signings in the summer.
Liverpool endured their worst run of form in 70 years this season as they recorded just four wins across 15 outings, losing nine during that dismal period, and while a 13-game unbeaten run helped rejuvenate things. defeat to Bournemouth on the weekend has seen them drop back out of the top five.
Carragher warns Slot could be sacked if Liverpool miss out on Champions League
Champions League permutations: What every Premier League team needs to qualify for last 16
17:40 , Chris WilsonLiverpool
Liverpool are in a strong position after their impressive victory in Marseille last week, with that result pushing them up to fourth place, now level with Real Madrid on 15 points. Victory against Azerbaijani outfit Qarabag will guarantee a top-four finish, while a draw should be enough to finish in the top eight. The Reds will be heavy favourites against significantly weaker opposition, though Qarabag do have something to play for. They are 18th and any result should seal their participation in the play-offs - if they manage to pull off a stunning upset at Anfield, Liverpool’s top-eight fate will be completely out of their hands.
Liverpool to play midfielder at centre-back against Qarabag as injury crisis deepens
17:30 , Chris WilsonLiverpool are set to play a midfielder at centre-back in their Champions League match against Qarabag after Joe Gomez joined their injured list.
Manager Arne Slot is without three of his four senior central defenders, with Giovanni Leoni out for the season and Ibrahima Konate absent on compassionate leave after the death of his father.
Gomez was taken off in Liverpool’s defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday with a hip injury and Slot said: “I can confirm he is not available.”
Liverpool to play midfielder at centre-back against Qarabag as injury crisis deepens
When is Liverpool v Qarabag?
17:20 , Chris WilsonLiverpool host Qarabag at Anfield on Wednesday 28 January, with kick-off at 8pm.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game live on TNT Sports 2 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with coverage starting at 6.30pm, and streaming service discovery+. You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for only £30.99 per month.
Predicted line-ups
17:11 , Chris WilsonLiverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Endo; Gakpo, Mac Allister, Ngumoha; Ekitike
Qarabag XI: Kochalski; Silva, Mustafazada, Medina, Cafarquliyev; Jankovic, Bicalho; Andrade, Montiel, Zoubir; Duran
Team news
17:06 , Chris WilsonQarabag are without the injured Kady Borges and striker Ramil Sheydayev, who is ineligible, but are otherwise able to field a full strength squad.
Team news
17:03 , Chris WilsonJoe Gomez is a doubt after clashing with goalkeeper Alisson in the weekend defeat to Bournemouth and possibly sustaining a head injury, while Ibrahima Konate is also a potential absentee following the death of his father.
Defenders Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley and striker Alexander Isak are long-term absentees, with Federico Chiesa another doubt after missing the last two games with a knock. However, Andy Robertson is available after his mooted transfer to Tottenham Hotspur broke down.
Liverpool vs Qarabag live
16:45 , Chris WilsonSo, Liverpool are one win away from booking their spot in the Champions League last 16 and will bid to extend their strong European form as they host Qarabag on Wednesday.
Arne Slot’s Reds hammered Marseille 3-0 in their last outing in the competition, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo on the scoresheet either side of Geronimo Rulli’s own goal.
They sit fourth in the league table as things stand and a win over 18th-placed Qarabag would see them seal one of eight automatic qualification spots.
But their 13-game unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday as Bournemouth stole a 3-2 win at the death, and their last Champions League game at Anfield was a 4-1 thrashing by PSV Eindhoven, so it isn’t guaranteed to be plain sailing for Liverpool or the under-pressure Slot.
Liverpool vs Qarabag live
14:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleA manic Champions League night could well be in store for most clubs but Liverpool are in control of their own destiny as they host Qarabag in this league phase finale. A win would be enough for Arne Slot’s to book their spot in the last 16 without having to negotiate a play-off round — but with their mixed domestic form continuing against Bournemouth at the weekend, it could be a nervy night for Liverpool against a visiting with their own qualification hopes.
Kick off at Anfield is at 8pm GMT.
Liverpool’s defensive injury crisis worsens as Jeremie Frimpong dealt another setback
23:07 , Chris WilsonLiverpool’s defensive injury woes show no sign of improving after Jeremie Frimpong limped off inside four minutes of their Champions League clash with Qarabag.
The Reds went into their European league phase finale with limited options to fill their back line, with Arne Slot confirming that he would be forced to start a midfielder in centre-back due to the absences of Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez.
Liverpool’s defensive injury crisis worsens as Frimpong dealt another setback
