Liverpool Relishes Champions League Success Amid Domestic Struggles

omidbasir- Arne Slot found solace in the Champions League as Mohamed Salah basked in the affection of Anfield, marking a rare evening of comfort and joy for Liverpool this season.

The Reds’ defense of their Premier League title has been marred by inconsistencies, intensifying scrutiny on Slot following his initial title triumph. Salah’s December outburst, where he expressed feelings of being “thrown under the bus” by Slot and the club after being benched, further contributed to the unrest surrounding Liverpool.

However, the Champions League has offered a respite amidst their challenges, presenting an opportunity to salvage their season as they pursue a seventh title in the competition. Despite their struggles in the Premier League, Liverpool showcased a more confident performance in Europe, with Wednesday’s 6-0 victory over Qarabag securing an automatic spot in the last 16.

Historically, Liverpool thrives in the knockout stages, especially with the advantage of the Anfield atmosphere. Although this season’s team may not be labeled as favorites to win the Champions League, they must not be underestimated in a two-legged format.

This victory was crucial for both Slot and Salah, providing a much-needed lift following a turbulent campaign. Qarabag proved to be comparatively compliant opponents, allowing Liverpool to achieve their largest win under Slot in his 91st match as manager and their biggest victory since a 7-0 rout of Manchester United in March 2023.

Yet, the night was overshadowed by the injury of summer signing Jeremie Frimpong, who was sidelined after just two minutes of play. Nevertheless, Liverpool’s success must be viewed in light of Qarabag’s shortcomings, but any victory is a positive step for Slot, especially following a solid 3-0 win in Marseille.

It was a landmark evening for Salah, who made his 80th Champions League appearance for Liverpool, equaling Jamie Carragher’s club record. More importantly, he showcased a glimpse of his vintage self, providing a much-needed spark after a challenging season.

Having not scored in his previous eight games, Salah’s moment finally arrived in the 50th minute when he converted a beautifully placed free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai, sending a curling shot into the top corner of the net. He celebrated with his teammates, then acknowledged the Kop crowd, tapping the Liverpool badge with a broad smile, a stark contrast to the turmoil of earlier in the season.

After the match, he expressed gratitude to Liverpool’s supporters, marking a rare night of joy amid a tumultuous season for both him and Slot. Slot commented on the performance, stating, “I’m very pleased with the performance. We know we can still improve – and need to improve – in both boxes, but it was a very good performance. Getting early goals is crucial for engaging the crowd. We can do even better, but we’re pleased.”

Liverpool’s rich history in this esteemed tournament presents them with a fresh opportunity, and despite their Premier League challenges, they have revitalized their chances of adding to their accolades.