Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Qarabag as Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike star

The Reds enjoyed their biggest win of the season as they confidently dispatched the Azerbaijani champions to progress to the last-16 of the Champions League

Liverpool secured its place in the Champions League last-16 with an emphatic victory over Qarabag on Wednesday, as the Reds put in another excellent European display to dispel some of their domestic woes.

A 6-0 win over Qarabag meant Liverpool finished third in the 36-team league phase and will bypass the perilous play-offs next month. Even more importantly, this was another indication of how well Liverpool can perform on the European stage, as it tore Qarabag apart with an impressive offensive showing.

Alexis Mac Allister netted twice, while Florain Wirtz, Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike were also on target, while Federico Chiesa got in on the action in the final stages.

Winners

This wasn't a vintage display from Salah, but his goal at the start of the second period clearly meant a lot to the Egyptian. He let out a sigh of relief, banged the badge on his chest and kissed the ground. We've come a long way from Leeds. Meanwhile, Wirtz was superb, and again showed his burgeoning partnership with Ekitike. Amara Nallo also made a third Liverpool appearance and, unlike the previous two, avoided picking up a red card.

Losers

Jeremie Frimpong, after the defender was forced off after just four minutes due to injury. Despite Wednesday's victory, we can add Arne Slot's name to the list of losers after the Reds' defensive injury crisis deepens.

Player ratings

Alisson (6). Called into action on a few occasions early but wasn't seriously tested and barely had a touch in the second half.

Jereme Frimpong (N/A). Replaced after four minutes due to what appeared to be a groin injury, adding to Slot's injury woes. The right-back was distraught as he made his way around the pitch, and immediately headed for the tunnel.

Ryan Gravenberch (7). Looked confident at center-back and routinely advanced when in possession. He pushed forward in the second half and helped Liverpool's control after the break.

Virgil van Dijk (7). Composed as usual at the back. It was Van Dijk who flicked the ball on to set up Mac Allister's opener and then provided the assist for Chiesa. He nearly got in on the action himself, and skewed a shot over in the 65th minute, and then headed wide soon after.

Andy Robertson (8). Provided an attacking option down the left and played a vital role in Wirtz's goal, as he fired the ball into Ekitike. The defender also set up Cody Gakpo for a shooting opportunity soon after, and shot over in the 35th minute. His name was repeatedly chanted by a set of supporters who clearly don't want him to leave.

Alexis Mac Allister (8). Was effective in possession, and came so close to netting a hat-trick late on, but he failed to convert Salah's cross. Mac Allister looked sharper than in recent weeks, and back to the midfielder we saw last seaosn.

Dominik Szoboszlai (7). Played in a more advanced midfield role alongside Wirtz, but as usual, popped up all over the pitch. He saw a 36th-minute shot saved, and was fortunate went an intercepted pass in the final third was not punished by Qarabag. The midfielder's long-range passing carried a real threat throughout the game. He also was replaced late on ahead of Saturday's league outing against Newcastle United.

Florian Wirtz (9). Given the time and space to operate, this was Wirtz at his best. He balletically floated across the pitch, and typically found the pass or dribble to hurt the opposition. The German took his goal excellently, firing hard and low past the goalkeeper, as an expectant Mohamed Salah watched on from a yards away.

Mohamed Salah (7). A mixed night for the winger, who was involved in some bright moments but also squandered possession too often. His goal at the start of the second half drew the biggest cheer of the night as he fired in his first Liverpool goal since the start of November.

Hugo Ekitike (8). Another reminder of the striker immense talent and physical prowess. His run and pass for Wirtz's goal was superb, while he regularly provided a threat darting into the space between Qarabag's defense and midfield. He got the goal his performance deserved as he raced clear in the 55th minute and confidently placed the ball into the back of the net.

Cody Gakpo (6). The quietest of Liverpool's front front three, but did go close with several efforts at the start of the second half and looked sharp cutting in on his right foot.

Substitutes

Wataru Endo (7). Kept things simple at right-back, and typically played the ball down the line to Salah. The Japan captain might be called upon again in the coming weeks to slot into the back four.

Trey Nyoni (6).

Rio Ngumoha (7).

Amara Nallo (6).

Federico Chiesa (7).