Liverpool secured their place in the knockout phase of the Champions League with a crucial away performance, but the narrative of the night was split between the Reds’ qualification and the compelling subplot involving a former Premier League star. The match, a key fixture in the 2025-2026 Champions League group stage, saw Liverpool travel to face Olympique de Marseille in a high-stakes European encounter.
The return of Mohamed Salah to the starting XI provided a significant boost for Liverpool, with manager Arne Slot expressing confidence that the Egyptian’s presence would lead to more goals for the side. Salah’s inclusion was a pivotal tactical decision, and his influence on the pitch was immediate, helping to unlock a resilient Marseille defense. The victory was comprehensive enough to confirm Liverpool’s progression from the group, a testament to their European pedigree under pressure.
However, the spotlight also shone intensely on Marseille’s Mason Greenwood. The on-loan forward, whose future remains a topic of intense speculation, delivered a goal-scoring performance that forced his name back into conversations far beyond the Stade Vélodrome. Despite his exploits, sources close to the situation emphasize that this performance should not be viewed as an audition for an England World Cup squad call-up. The focus for Greenwood remains firmly on his club contributions with Marseille FC.
Off the pitch, the deal that brought Greenwood to Marseille continues to generate discussion. Reports indicate that Manchester United inserted a secret clause in the agreement with the French club, adding another layer of intrigue to the player’s long-term future. As Liverpool faced their former rival, the specter of Greenwood’s past in England was unavoidable. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had previously made his feelings clear on the player during his time at Manchester United, making this Champions League showdown a reunion laden with historical context.
For Marseille FC, the match was a bitter disappointment, compounded by a significant injury blow. Defender Emerson suffered what is described as a ‘coup dur’ or hard blow, a setback that will test the squad’s depth as they navigate their remaining European and domestic commitments. The result leaves Marseille with a mountain to climb in their quest to advance from a challenging group.
In the end, the night belonged to Liverpool, who achieved their primary objective of qualification. Yet, the enduring image for many will be the compelling duel within the duel: a resurgent Liverpool side led by their returning king, Salah, against a Marseille team spearheaded by Mason Greenwood, a player forever linked to a dramatic and controversial chapter in English football. The final whistle in Marseille vs Liverpool confirmed one story—a team marching on in Europe—while ensuring another, that of Greenwood’s ongoing saga, will continue to be written.