Liverpool, Bayern book UEFA Champions League last-16 spots

Liverpool cruised to a 3-0 away win over Marseille on Wednesday as Bayern Munich sealed a 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League last-16 qualification with a 2-0 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise.

Our correspondent reports that Arne Slot’s side stretched their unbeaten run to 13 matches, rebounding strongly since a heavy home defeat by PSV Eindhoven in November.

Mohamed Salah returned from the Africa Cup of Nations but did not score, as Dominik Szoboszlai opened scoring with a clever free-kick just before halftime.

Hugo Ekitike struck the bar before Liverpool doubled their lead when Jeremie Frimpong’s cross went in off goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.

Substitute Cody Gakpo sealed the win, leaving Liverpool fourth on the Champions League table and poised to confirm last-16 qualification against Qarabag next week.

In Munich, Bayern joined Arsenal in the top eight as Harry Kane scored twice, opening the scoring with a header before converting a second-half penalty.

Kim Min-jae was sent off for Bayern, while Kane missed a second penalty but still boasts seven Champions League goals this season.

Results from other matches played on Wednesday saw Newcastle United overpowered PSV 3-0 at St James’ Park, with goals from Yoane Wissa, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes.

Chelsea edged Pafos 1-0 through a Moises Caicedo header, handing new coach Liam Rosenior a winning Champions League debut.

Barcelona stayed in contention after rallying to beat Slavia Prague 4-2, with Fermin Lopez netting twice and Robert Lewandowski scoring his first European goal this season.

Atletico Madrid drew 1-1 with Galatasaray, Atalanta lost 3-2 to Athletic Bilbao, while Juventus beat Benfica 2-0 to boost knockout hopes.

Qarabag strengthened play-off chances with a dramatic 3-2 win over Eintracht Frankfurt as all final group games will be played simultaneously on Jan. 28.