Liverpool responded to critics with a resounding 4-0 win over Galatasaray to book their place in the Champions League quarter-final with style where they will face PSG.
Goals from Dominik Szoboszlai, Hugo Ekitike, Ryan Gravenberch and Mohamed Salah overturned the Turkish side’s 1-0 lead from the first leg, offering hope that this season can end with a positive.
Dominik Szoboszlai. Player of the Match. ?? pic.twitter.com/wZvaERJrVB
— Samuel (@SamueILFC) March 18, 2026
Liverpool are now two two-legged ties away from a place in the Champions League, and after they showcased an intensity and balance unseen for months, could it be that the Reds are turning a corner? Or is it another false dawn?
Arne Slot was more animated that he has ever been in the Liverpool dugout, and whether his energy was transmuted onto the pitch or the Reds just clicked into a rhythm, the speculation around Slot will diminish after tonight.
Before the game, there was no denying that tonight would play a pivotal role in determining the mood around Slot’s future. If he can bring these types of intense and precise performances with more consistency, there may be hope for his future at the club.
The jury will remain out until further evidence is brought forward to support his claim at Anfield, but Slot can be proud of the way his team played against Galatasaray. After losing to the Turkish outfit last week before the deflating 1-1 draw against Spurs, it seemed as though the death blow would be dealt tonight.
However, the players rallied, Slot looked like a new man, and all of a sudden, there is a renewed sense of optimism. Of course, PSG in the last eight poses a severe challenge, especially after their 8-2 aggregate dismantling of Chelsea, but knockout football might suit Liverpool more than the league format this season.
Liverpool face Brighton in the Premier League next, before they face Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals after that. There is still a lot to play for, but the main thing that is needed now is to make these performances more consistent.
After full-time, Ekitike lavished praise Salah for his world-class finish that put the cherry on the cake: “I mean he’s a legend. Obviously sometimes people say he’s had a difficult season, but tonight he had many chances, and still had the mindset to give me a great ball. Really happy for him. He deserved it.”
Watch the full interview:pic.twitter.com/r86KVM8bkl https://t.co/osYshDiKTj
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) March 18, 2026
Salah missed a penalty in poor fashion before half-time but his head didn’t drop and he was class overall. Liverpool need him in the next couple of months to show his experience and ability. An assist for Ekitike and a goal of his own – a beauty at that – will certainly boost his confidence.
The Egyptian has solidified his status as the greatest African player to grace Europe with his talent, becoming the highest scoring player from the continent in the Champions League (50 goals). Samuel Eto’o might have a strong case, to be very fair.
Salah has nine goals and eight assists this season, and with a strong finish to the season.
