Merseyside | More analysis of Liverpool's win over Frankfurt

Frankfurt 1 - 5 Liverpool

Liverpool fought back from a goal down to thrash Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.

Author | William G

Stadium | Deutsche Bank Park

View from the away end

This was a much-needed victory for Liverpool, who arrived in Frankfurt under mounting pressure after Sunday’s defeat to one of their fiercest rivals at Anfield. Arne Slot made a bold move by handing starts to forwards Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak for the first time, with the pair deployed as a front two. The adjustment initially unsettled Liverpool, as the hosts, urged on by a raucous home crowd, dominated the early stages.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s opener once again highlighted Liverpool’s defensive shortcomings. The Reds surrendered possession in midfield, allowing Frankfurt to break at pace before Kristensen finished neatly off the far post. It was the 18th goal Liverpool had conceded in just 13 games this season, compared with only seven at the same stage last year, which underlined a worrying decline at the back.

Picture taken from a Liverpool fan in the home end

Ekitike’s equaliser against his former club proved the turning point. It ended Liverpool’s run of four games without a first-half goal and ignited a rapid response, with two more strikes arriving within five minutes before the interval. The hosts never recovered, fading badly as Liverpool took control after the break. Slot’s decision to leave Mohamed Salah on the bench, a player with 52 Champions League goals to his name, was a significant gamble but one that paid off handsomely in a performance that could mark the start of a revival.

Best reaction from Liverpool supporters

Hollie: On the ball, this was a display full of energy and emerging partnerships that could shape how Arne Slot looks to restore Liverpool’s rhythm, even if it means sidelining some of the more established figures in the squad.

Gary: Despite taking the lead, Frankfurt proved to be the ideal opponents for a Liverpool side rich in talent but still lacking structure. It is always more enjoyable to score freely and win, but the real test will come in translating that form against stronger Premier League opposition. We need to show they can create and convert chances more consistently before any talk of them truly finding their rhythm, starting with Saturday’s evening trip to Brentford.

Phil: Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones were outstanding.

Vincent: I’m not sure it was a statement, but it was a win and something to build from.