Liverpool took a decisive step towards the Champions League knockouts with a composed, clinical 3-0 victory over Marseille at a raucous Stade Vélodrome, a result that lifts Arne Slot’s side firmly into the race for a top-four finish in the league phase.

Arriving in France outside the all-important top eight, Liverpool knew that defeat would drag them back into the congested pack chasing automatic qualification for the last 16. Instead, they produced one of their most controlled European away performances of the season, blending defensive authority with sharp attacking play to silence a home crowd renowned for its hostility.

The goals came from Dominik Szoboszlai, a Geronimo Rulli own goal forced by Jeremie Frimpong, and substitute Cody Gakpo in stoppage time. Yet the story of the night stretched beyond the scoreline: Mohamed Salah’s full return, Szoboszlai’s growing status as the team’s talisman, and a midfield display from Ryan Gravenberch that underpinned everything Liverpool did well.

Slot’s selection was bold. Salah, back from Africa Cup of Nations duty and in the spotlight after an explosive interview that had cast doubt over his future, was restored to the starting XI. Hugo Ekitike led the line, with Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz operating behind him, while Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister anchored midfield. At the back, Virgil van Dijk marshalled a defence that would barely give Marseille a clear sight of goal.

Marseille, backed by a febrile Vélodrome, began with intent. They pressed high, tried to disrupt Liverpool’s build-up, and looked to exploit the flanks through Amine Gouiri and Mason Greenwood. Alisson was called into action a handful of times, most notably from long-range efforts and half-chances inside the box, but Liverpool’s structure held firm. Van Dijk dominated aerially, Joe Gomez covered intelligently, and full-backs Milos Kerkez and Frimpong balanced their attacking instincts with defensive discipline.

As the first half wore on, Liverpool began to exert control. Gravenberch, later named Player of the Match, dictated the tempo with a blend of composure and drive, repeatedly breaking Marseille’s lines with progressive passes and surging runs. Szoboszlai, eager to atone for a missed penalty against Burnley and an error in the FA Cup, roamed between the lines, constantly demanding the ball.

The breakthrough arrived in first-half stoppage time and encapsulated Szoboszlai’s mentality. When Liverpool won a free-kick in shooting range, Salah hovered over the ball, but it was the Hungarian who took charge. He made it clear he would be the one to strike, a decision that spoke volumes about the shifting hierarchy in Liverpool’s attacking ranks.

Szoboszlai then delivered. Rather than going over the wall, he whipped a low effort underneath it, catching Rulli wrong-footed as the Marseille goalkeeper anticipated a more orthodox attempt. The ball skidded into the net and Liverpool went into the interval with a precious lead and the psychological edge.

The goal was Szoboszlai’s fourth in seven Champions League appearances this season, adding to three assists, and further evidence of his growing influence. With Trent Alexander-Arnold gone, he has assumed responsibility for set pieces and, increasingly, for the big moments.

Marseille emerged for the second half needing a response, but Liverpool instead tightened their grip. Gravenberch continued to dominate midfield, repeatedly finding pockets of space and linking with Wirtz and Szoboszlai. Ekitike, lively throughout, came close to doubling the lead when he rattled the post after a swift counter-attack, a moment that underlined both Liverpool’s threat and the fine margins that have often gone against them this season.

Slot later pointed to that chance as emblematic of a campaign in which Liverpool have frequently surrendered leads. This time, though, the pattern changed. Rather than allowing Marseille back into the contest, Liverpool struck again.

The second goal owed much to Frimpong’s persistence and directness. The right-back drove into the Marseille box, beat his marker with a sharp change of direction, and drilled a low cut-back across the six-yard area. In the chaos, Rulli, attempting to intervene, diverted the ball into his own net. It was harsh on the goalkeeper but a fair reflection of Liverpool’s superiority.

At 2-0, the Vélodrome’s fury turned to frustration. Marseille’s attacks became more hopeful than incisive, and Alisson, though tested sporadically, remained largely untroubled. Liverpool, by contrast, looked increasingly comfortable, managing the game with a maturity that has sometimes eluded them this season.

Salah’s personal story within the match was more nuanced. He worked tirelessly, linked play well, and repeatedly stretched Marseille’s back line, but the finishing touch deserted him. His best chance came late on when Gakpo, on from the bench, slid a pass into his path. Normally so ruthless, Salah skewed his shot wide, a miss that drew gasps from both sets of supporters.

Slot, however, was quick to praise the forward’s professionalism and fitness, noting that Salah was able to complete the full 90 minutes despite a month away with Egypt. The message was clear: whatever the noise around his future, Salah remains central to Liverpool’s plans. Yet there is no denying that the team’s attacking focal point has shifted. Szoboszlai, with his swagger, work rate, and end product, increasingly looks like the man around whom this side revolves.

The final word on the night belonged to Gakpo. Deep into stoppage time, with Marseille stretched and chasing a consolation, Gravenberch again drove through midfield and threaded a perfectly weighted pass into the Dutchman’s path. Gakpo took a touch and finished clinically across Rulli, sealing a 3-0 win that felt as emphatic as the scoreline suggested.

Beyond the immediate satisfaction of a statement away victory, the implications for Liverpool’s Champions League campaign are significant. The win, only their second in six games in all competitions, propels them into a strong position to finish inside the top eight and avoid the jeopardy of a two-legged play-off.

The table remains tightly packed, with just three points separating third from 15th, and Slot was quick to stress that nothing is guaranteed. Liverpool’s final league-phase fixture, at home to Qarabag, is effectively a must-win to be certain of bypassing the play-offs. A draw might suffice, but the permutations are complex, with a cluster of teams below them still capable of reaching or surpassing their points tally.