Following a disappointing 1–0 loss away to Galatasaray to open the Champions League knockout stage, Liverpool returned to Anfield with a clear mandate: deliver a convincing performance and take control of the tie.
Mission accomplished—though not without a caveat.
On paper, a 4–0 win is exactly the kind of emphatic response supporters would have hoped for. But dig a little deeper, and the performance, especially in the first half, still leaves room for critique.
Liverpool registered a staggering 16 shots on target and generated 5.6 xG, yet still managed to miss seven big chances—a level of wastefulness that, on another night, could have proven costly.
That said, the overall display was undeniably dominant, and Arne Slot’s side will take a much-needed surge of confidence into their looming clash with current European champions PSG, who arrive in scintillating form after dismantling Chelsea 8–2 on aggregate.
So, with a statement win secured, how did Liverpool’s players fare on an individual level?
Starting XI:
Alisson Becker: 8/10- Could have been replaced by a statue for much of the night, with Liverpool’s keeper called into action just once by a tame effort. To his credit, he was tidy when needed—composed in distribution and assured off his line, areas that have troubled him in recent weeks. All told, a quiet evening, but one that should leave him feeling settled ahead of a far sterner test against PSG, where his contribution will be crucial.
Virgil Van Dijk: 8/10- With Galatasaray managing just five touches in Liverpool’s box, both center-backs enjoyed a relatively comfortable evening. Still, the captain remained fully switched on from start to finish.
He also looked to have picked up an assist late on for Mac Allister, only for it to be ruled out by a highly questionable foul on the goalkeeper.
Ibrahima Konaté: 8/10- Like van Dijk, he wasn’t called on to deal with much danger, but he looked especially sharp in the air throughout. He also continued his recent trend of carrying the ball forward with purpose on a few occasions—prompting the question: has he been watching Joel Matip highlights lately?
Milos Kerkez: 8/10- Milos has come on leaps and bounds since the start of the season, and he looked right at home on a big European night at Anfield. His defensive work, in particular, was outstanding—highlighted by a crucial intervention early in the second half to snuff out a dangerous Galatasaray attack.
Once the goals and assists start to follow, the wider re-recognition of the player he was at Bournemouth will come with it.
Jeremie Frimpong: 7/10- His usual dribbling flair wasn’t quite there as he continues to work his way back to full fitness, but even so, his uncanny knack for forcing defenders into putting the ball into their own net remains as fascinating as ever—even if this one was marginally offside. With his electric pace nearing full sharpness, he’ll be a frightening prospect against the French giants.
Ryan Gravenberch: 7.5/10- A relatively muted first half was flipped on its head when he scored the goal that gave Liverpool the confidence to see the tie through. The Dutchman continues to add to an already overperforming G/A tally this season, and he also showcased his excellent ability to create space with his patented “Graven-turn” on several occasions.
Alexis Mac Allister: 7.5/10- After a few wayward passes early on, Mac Allister responded with a beautifully delivered corner to assist Szobo. He thought he’d added a goal of his own late on—again from a set piece—only for it to be ruled out for the aforementioned incredibly soft foul. Regardless, he’s continued on as one of Liverpool’s most influential set-piece threats, arguably second only to Dom and Virgil.
Dominik Szoboslai: 8.5/10- Who else but him to open the scoring? The Hungarian—probably the best free-kick taker in the world right now—produced another moment of magic on a set play, this time with a peach of a first-time finish straight off the training ground.
His work rate was as relentless as ever, and he contributed defensively numerous times despite starting in midfield rather than at right back. An outstanding outing from a player who looks every bit a future captain.
Mo Salah: 7.5/10- Arguably Salah’s most 2026-style outing yet. A deeply frustrating first half—including a woeful penalty that could have put Liverpool ahead—had fans fuming, but he more than redeemed himself in the second half. He first set up Ekitike with a clever assist, then curled home a finish dripping with prime Mo quality. It says a lot that he can still deliver a G+A performance even after such a poor start. If he can carry that second-half form forward, it should do wonders for his confidence.
Florian Wirtz: 7/10- Flo had a few good chances in the first half but lacked the clinical edge, and with each match it becomes clearer that he’s more suited to the center of the park than out on the left wing. He still delivered a clever moment to tee up Mo for the Egyptian’s goal, but Slot will need to find a solution to consistently field a strong left winger while keeping Wirtz in the middle—perhaps by trusting Rio more?
Hugo Ekitike: 7.5/10- He continued the evening's theme of bouncing back from a slow start to score a huge goal for Liverpool. His on-ball composure improved as the match went on, and it’s becoming clear that Hugo thrives off the crowd’s energy. A timely goal, coming after a brief four game dry spell.
Substitutes:
Curtis Jones: 7/10- Defended solidly in the non-preferred right-back role and helped see the game out. He also produced a highlight-reel moment, dancing past three or four Galatasaray players to keep the ball under control—a neat cameo from the Scouser.
Cody Gakpo: 7/10- Found himself in some good spaces in his cameo despite not registering a G/A. Good to see him hungry to contribute even with the game put to bed amidst a rough patch of form.
Rio Ngumoha, Federico Chiesa and Trey Nyoni: N/A- It was nice to see a few fan favorites get some minutes, but with his 90th-minute appearance, there wasn’t much to report.
Bonus manager rating:
Arne Slot: 8.5/10- Surprise!
I’ve never given the manager a rating before, but this is a time in particular where credit must be given where it’s due: Arne Slot had his team primed for a convincing win at a time when whispers about his job security are louder than ever.
Going into this contest, Liverpool hadn’t scored a single goal from open play in their first leg against Galatasaray—or in their recent Premier League clash with a struggling Spurs side—and many expected them to struggle again tonight. They didn’t.
Considering that there were many (myself included) who wouldn't have been shocked to see the manager let go had Liverpool failed to advance, he more than lived up to the task of winning with authority, and many of the problems that have plagued Liverpool lately—lack of mentality, weak defense late on, struggling to be creative up top—were absent on Wednesday.
It was also the most animated I’ve ever seen Slot on the touchline, a visual demonstration of just how much this match meant to him.
There’s still plenty of work ahead, both domestically and in Europe, but tonight, the boss deserves to savor this one.