Liverpool Champions League win at Marseille boosts top eight hopes as Salah returns and the Reds claim a convincing 3-0 away victory

Liverpool took a decisive step towards automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16 with a composed 3-0 away victory over Marseille, as Mohamed Salah returned to the starting line-up.

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Dominik Szoboszlai gave Liverpool the lead in first half stoppage time.

A Geronimo Rulli own goal and a late Cody Gakpo strike completed a commanding second half display.

The result lifted Liverpool to fourth place in the 36 team league phase standings.

Arne Slot’s side will secure a top eight finish with a home win against Qarabag at Anfield next week.

Marseille, coached by Roberto De Zerbi, slipped to 19th after a subdued performance.

The French side must now get a result at Club Brugge in their final league fixture to reach the knockout play off round.

Salah made his first Liverpool start since November following his international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The forward had missed the previous Champions League match at Inter Milan.

Liverpool started with authority at the Velodrome. Joe Gomez headed wide from a corner, while Alexis Mac Allister forced early pressure on the Marseille defence.

Szoboszlai broke the deadlock from a free kick at the end of the first half, sweeping the ball under the wall and beyond Rulli.

Marseille showed brief urgency after the break. Alisson saved from Mason Greenwood, while Hugo Ekitike struck the crossbar and later missed further chances.

Liverpool tightened control in the closing stages. Jeremie Frimpong’s low cross was turned into the net by Rulli with 18 minutes remaining.

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Gakpo added a decisive third in stoppage time to cap a confident Liverpool Champions League win. The Reds are now unbeaten in 13 matches in all competitions.