Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick stunner sparks Liverpool cruise past Marseille at Velodrome

The atmosphere at the Stade Velodrome was electric long before kickoff. Home supporters unveiled a massive tifo featuring The Beatles holding a newspaper with the headline "Que l’histoire se repete" (Let history repeat itself). 

This was a direct provocation, recalling Marseille’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the 2004 UEFA Cup. Historically, these 2 European giants have shared a fierce rivalry; prior to this meeting, they had faced each other 6 times in European competitions, with both sides claiming 2 wins and 2 draws. Despite the hostile environment, Liverpool entered the pitch with the poise of a team transformed under Arne Slot.

Tactically, Slot surprised many by deploying a fluid 4-2-2-2 formation. Mohamed Salah made his first start since late November, partnering with Hugo Ekitike upfront. Behind them, Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz acted as twin playmakers. This lineup was partly forced by a pre-match injury to Federico Chiesa, leaving Liverpool with only 4 senior outfield players on the bench. In contrast, Roberto De Zerbi fielded a standard attacking lineup featuring Mason Greenwood, hoping to exploit Liverpool’s perceived lack of depth.

The match began with a high-intensity press from the visitors. Early on, Ryan Gravenberch intercepted a pass from Michael Murillo, allowing Salah to set up Szoboszlai, whose cross was converted by Ekitike, only for the goal to be ruled out for a narrow offside. Marseille responded with physical play, leading to several yellow cards as the referee struggled to maintain order during heated exchanges in midfield.

The deadlock was finally broken in first-half added time. Liverpool earned a free-kick in a position that seemed ideal for Salah’s left foot. However, Szoboszlai took charge, striking a low, clever shot that traveled under the jumping wall and past goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli. This goal marked a significant milestone, as Szoboszlai became the first Liverpool player since the 2022-23 season to score multiple direct free-kicks in a single campaign.

In the second half, Marseille increased the pressure, but Alisson Becker remained resolute, making crucial saves from Amine Gouiri. The momentum shifted definitively in the 70th minute when Jeremie Frimpong drove down the flank; his sharp cross deflected off Rulli and into the net for an own goal. 

Deep into stoppage time, substitute Cody Gakpo clinical finish added the gloss to a 3-0 scoreline, securing only Liverpool’s second three-goal margin victory against top-tier opposition this season.

This result marks 13 games without defeat for the Reds. Interestingly, their last loss occurred on November 27, a humiliating 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven. 

With these 3 points, Liverpool climb to 4th place in the Champions League table with 15 points from seven matches. A victory in their next fixture at Anfield against Qarabag will mathematically secure their place in the top eight. Meanwhile, Marseille’s situation is dire. De Zerbi’s men sit in 19th place with only 9 points. Unable to reach the top eight, they must now fight for a playoff spot in a must-win final clash against Club Brugge.