UK media makes Liverpool 'benchmark' demand as Mohamed Salah moment speaks volumes

Liverpool booked its place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a resounding 4-0 win over Galatasaray, and the UK's media praised the performance at Anfield

Mohamed Salah rediscovered some of his form in Liverpool's win over Galatasaray(Image: Getty Images)

Mission accomplished. Liverpool cruised into the Champions League quarter-finals with a commanding 4-0 victory over Galatasaray in its round of 16 second leg encounter on Wednesday night.

Dominik Szoboszlai, Hugo Ekitike, Ryan Gravenberch and Mohamed Salah all got on the scoresheet as the Reds overturned last week's 1-0 defeat in Istanbul to secure a quarter-final meeting with holders Paris Saint-Germain, when they'll be looking for revenge for last season's defeat.

It proved to be a thoroughly pleasing evening, and Liverpool.com was in attendance as usual alongside some of the UK's national press. Here is how they assessed an impressive performance from Arne Slot's team.

Paul Joyce wrote in The Times about how Liverpool have now established the blueprint for the rest of their campaign, reports the Liverpool Echo.

"Just three days after displaying against Spurs so many of the frailties which have threatened to derail their entire season, Liverpool performed with an energy, self-belief and swagger to swat Galatasaray contemptuously aside," he says.

"Arne Slot would be the first to admit displays such as these have been few and far between, but this was an occasion when his side were all anyone has ever wanted them to be.

"It was also an exhibition of the fast, flowing football he actually wants his side to play. Of course, if there was a frustration, together with the fact that the scoreline could have been doubled, it is that it had taken a dramatic downturn in the first place to summon such an intoxicating response.

Liverpool celebrates after Ryan Gravenberch scores during the UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg match against Galatasaray at Anfield on March 18 2026(Image: Alfie Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

"Galatasaray's limitations were exposed and in doing so the synergy between the hosts and their supporters was restored. It is up to Slot's players now to ensure it remains in place."

Andy Hunter echoed the same sentiment in The Guardian.

"Dominik Szoboszlai led the charge as the Hungary captain has done throughout a season that could culminate in a final in Budapest," he writes. "His fine opening goal levelled the tie on aggregate and convinced Liverpool of their superiority over opponents who have beaten them twice in Istanbul this season, but wilt without the raucous backing of Ali Sami Yen Stadium.

"Collectively, this must be the benchmark for what remains of a trying campaign. Anfield was more partisan than usual with Galatasaray fans banned from the second leg following trouble away at Juventus in the playoff round. It did not take Liverpool long to assert their authority. Galatasaray were even quicker with the theatrics and time-wasting tactics."

Richard Jolly of The Independent highlighted the impact of Mohamed Salah and a return to past triumphs.

"The Dutchman switched tactics, to something of a 4-4-2, and the team changed tack," he scribes. "This was much better. This was one of their best displays of the campaign.

"If it was like the Liverpool of old, what could have shaped up as further evidence of Mohamed Salah's decline instead became a cathartic evening for him. His was a throwback performance. At half-time, when Liverpool's dominance was not reflected by a one-goal lead, there was the possibility Salah's missed penalty would cost them.

"This threatened to be his last European game for Liverpool until he had a part in three goals in 11 minutes, capped gloriously."

Mohamed Salah celebrates with Hugo Ekitike and his Liverpool teammates(Image: Getty Images)

Lewis Steele, writing for the Daily Mail, emphasized the influence of the Anfield faithful on proceedings.

"Arne Slot, who has been ridiculed by some sections of the fanbase in recent weeks, was a man on a mission," he writes. "He was more animated than ever before, proverbially kicking every ball on the touchline and gesticulating wildly as if he had downed 10 energy drinks in the dressing room.

"There was a marked difference in the stands, too. A missed chance where a player should really do better has sometimes prompted a negative reaction, whereas here it sparked one of encouragement. Do that again and it will end up in the goal, they thought.

"Anfield's atmosphere and negativity has been heavily criticised in recent weeks with players themselves aggrieved but, as always: if they put in the effort and play with this intensity, the crowd will always get behind the team and back them all the way."