Echo

Liverpool need to give Dominik Szoboszlai contract he deserves after powerful Anfield reminder

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The Paul Gorst verdict from Anfield as Liverpool storm to a 4-0 Champions League win over Galatasaray to set up a quarter-final showdown with Paris Saint-GermainFor a club whose European exploits are woven into its fabric, it's been far too long since Anfield enjoyed a Champions League night like this. It's been nearly four years, in fact, since Liverpool last won a Champions League knockout game at home and those 'famous nights' the regulars here boast about have been quietly in danger of becoming consigned to history as a result.And while this comfortable 4-0 victory over an obstinate but ordinary Galatasaray won't stand the test of time like some of the genuinely extraordinary nights over the years, there was enough stardust sprinkled around to remind those who might have needed it of what can be produced at this ground on these sorts of occasions.At the third time of asking this season, the Reds beat the Turkish Super Lig champions who wilted under the Merseyside lights, specifically in the second half when the English Premier League champions' dominance was finally reflected on the scoreboard.This place can still be decisive and the fact that Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ibrahima Konate were all seen asking supporters to turn up the volume levels further at various times throughout suggested the players know that too.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!



All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageDespite a generally disgruntled set of locals - those who either left early or booed after Sunday's 1-1 draw with relegation-threatened Tottenham Hotspur - Anfield can still be a powerful weapon for Slot and his players. They must learn how to properly harness that as they now prepare for a showdown with holders Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals.Last week's 1-0 reverse in Istanbul was more concerning for its wider context for a team who have struggled during a chastening sophomore season for head coach Arne Slot.But a second-half blitz here, following a first-half strike from Szoboszlai, was enough to see off Okan Buruk's Gala, who arrived in L4 without any official support save for 250 VIPs, after UEFA's ruling regarding their conduct at Juventus in the previous round.Few will be confident enough yet to book those flights for the Budapest final but this intriguing Champions League campaign rolls on into the last eight.

It was a poor penalty from the Egyptian, who responded well to that setback after the restart.It would have been understandable for a few doubts to have crept in at the break given it was still level on aggregate but an explosive start to the second period removed all doubt and the tie was effectively over before the hour mark.Two goals in as many minutes from Ekitike and Ryan Gravenberch - both of which involved Salah - put the tie to bed and there was even time for a Wilfried Singo own goal to be ruled out for Frimpong straying offside.Slot's side were already home and dry when Florian Wirtz and Salah combined for the Reds great to roll back the years with a vintage effort that curled past Cakir, who was finally beaten by the No.11.It was Salah's 50th Champions League goal, setting a new record for African players in the process.He is only the third player in club history to score 10 goals or more in nine or more consecutive seasons, joining Roger Hunt and Gordon Hodgson. Whatever the near future holds for him, he is a legend as much as any other around these parts.This version of Slot's Liverpool still have concerns to address and areas to improve but those discussions can at least be paused until the build-up to Saturday lunchtime's trip to Brighton & Hove Albion really begins.For once, the sight of the fourth official's board going up in stoppage time simply signalled how much longer fans had to enjoy themselves on a night when all was right with the world, if only briefly.