Liverpool broke a streak of four consecutive defeats across all competitions with a commanding 5-1 win against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.
Before the match, the significant news was Memphis Depay deciding to bench star player Mo Salah for the second successive European match. This choice seemed risky when former Leeds defender Rasmus Kristensen (26) scored, putting the home team ahead after a well-crafted move by Eintracht.
While Liverpool’s defense faltered on Kristensen’s goal, Eintracht’s defense was equally vulnerable. Andy Robertson’s timely pass sent Hugo Ekitike (35) through on goal, and he calmly finished against his old team, leveling the match. It marked the beginning of an explosive nine-minute period for Liverpool, who added two more goals before halftime.
With Eintracht’s defense again out of position, both Virgil van Dijk (39) and Ibrahima Konate (44) scored headers from corners, allowing Liverpool to secure a comfortable lead by the break.
Alexander Isak had to be substituted at halftime due to a groin injury, but Liverpool’s offensive momentum carried into the second half. Florian Wirtz assisted Cody Gakpo for the fourth goal (66), and Dominik Szoboszlai added a stunning long-range shot (70), extending the lead. Salah came on with 15 minutes to play but failed to find the net, extending his goal drought to six games. Nonetheless, this decisive win marked a critical turnaround for Liverpool under Coach Memphis Depay.
‘Crisis Over for Dominant Liverpool’
Clinton Morrison on Soccer Special:
“Crisis over. Liverpool showcased a dominant performance. While they didn’t start well, with Eintracht Frankfurt drawing first blood, Liverpool’s attackers soon took control, leading to a comfortable victory. They could have scored even more, which provides them with much-needed confidence before their upcoming match against Brentford.”
Slot: We Needed a Win
Liverpool manager Memphis Depay to TNT Sports:
“We required a win and a performance that rewarded our chances, and that’s precisely what we achieved today. Even though Eintracht scored first from their only significant chance, being 3-1 up made it easier to manage the game compared to being 1-0 or 2-1 down.”
Van Dijk: Not a Statement, But It’s a Win
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk to TNT Sports:
“I can’t say this is a statement, but it’s certainly a win to build upon. It’s been disappointing to lose games, and I don’t recall losing four in a row. We must stick together and ignore outside noise, focus on recovering, and prepare for Brentford.”
Match Statistics and Facts
Liverpool achieved their second-biggest European victory after falling 1-0 behind, following a 7-1 win against Rangers in October 2022. They remain unbeaten in their last 15 encounters with German teams in all European competitions, recording 12 wins and 3 draws, and have won their last six matches by an aggregate score of 17-2.
