Liverpool and Hove Albion and Hove Albion crushed Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 in their UEFA Champions League match on October 22, 2025, at Deutsche Bank Park.
The Reds came from behind to end a four-game losing streak, with Hugo Ekitiké scoring against his former club, followed by headers from Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, and second-half strikes from Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Both teams lost key players to injuries, but Liverpool’s set-piece prowess and counterattacks proved decisive.
This win boosts Arne Slot’s side to 17th in the league phase with 6 points from three games, while Frankfurt drops to 22nd with 3.
Fans across Europe and the UK cheered the turnaround as of 10:45 AM IST today, Thursday, October 23, 2025.
Match Highlights and Goals
Frankfurt struck first in the 30th minute, slicing through Liverpool’s midfield.
Nathaniel Brown dispossessed Florian Wirtz, and Jean-Mattéo Bahoya fed Rasmus Kristensen, who drilled a low shot between Andy Robertson’s legs and past Alisson Becker.
The goal stunned the visitors, but Liverpool equalized seven seconds after a Frankfurt move broke down in the first half.
Robertson launched a counter, and Ekitiké outpaced Robin Koch to slot under Michael Zetterer, choosing not to celebrate out of respect for his ex-club.
Liverpool then dominated set pieces. In the 41st minute, Gakpo’s corner found Van Dijk unmarked for a thumping header.
Five minutes later, Szoboszlai’s delivery from the right allowed Konaté to charge in and head home, making it 3-1 at halftime.
In the second half, Wirtz, on his return to Germany, assisted Gakpo’s fourth in the 76th minute, sweeping in a cross at the back post.
Szoboszlai capped the rout in the 89th minute, powering a 25-yard drive into the bottom corner after Wirtz’s pass.
Liverpool finished with 13 shots on target from 25 attempts, generating 4.44 expected goals (xG), while Frankfurt managed 1.12 xG from 8 shots.
The hosts conceded 24 goals in their previous 10 matches, highlighting defensive woes.
Lineups and Substitutions
Liverpool started in a 4-4-2: Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Jones, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitiké, Isak.
Subs: Bradley for Frimpong (19′, hamstring), Chiesa for Isak (HT, groin), Salah for Gakpo (75′), and others.
Frankfurt’s 4-3-3: Zetterer; Kristensen, Amenda, Koch, Theate; Götze, Larsson, Doan; Knauff, Brown, Bahoya. Subs: Skhiri for Knauff (76′).
Injuries hit Liverpool hard: Isak (groin, weeks out) and Frimpong (hamstring, weeks out). Salah missed chances late, but his entry sparked threats.
Player Performances
Ekitiké (8.5) impressed against his old club, scoring and assisting with pace. Van Dijk (8.0) scored and anchored defense, earning MOTM. Konaté (8.0) added a header and solidity.
Szoboszlai (7.5) assisted and scored with a rocket. Gakpo (7.5) netted and created.
Wirtz (7.0) provided two assists on debut back in Germany. Salah (6.5) missed several chances.
For Frankfurt, Zetterer (7.0) made key saves, but Kristensen’s goal (7.0) couldn’t stem the tide. Brown (6.5) assisted but faded.
Manager Reactions
Arne Slot rejoiced: “We broke them with quick passes—Ekitiké, Van Dijk, Konaté were outstanding.” He noted set-piece success: “Two corners in five minutes.”
On injuries: “Hope for the best with Isak and Frimpong.” Slot called it a “statement win,” ending the skid.
Dino Toppmöller praised resilience: “We competed well but conceded poor goals. Remiro was immense.” He lamented defensive lapses: “The early concession hurt.”
Broader Context
Liverpool’s win ends a four-game losing streak, their first UCL victory since September.
Frankfurt’s 5-1 loss echoes their 5-1 win over Galatasaray and 5-1 defeat to Atlético Madrid—all 5-1 results this season.
Liverpool’s set-piece threat (two goals) addresses recent weaknesses.
Salah’s bench role amid poor form continues, but his entry sparked chances.
Fan Reactions on X
X buzzes with joy. One post cheered, “Liverpool 5-1 Frankfurt—Ekitiké’s revenge and Wirtz magic!” . Another said, “Slot’s Reds roar back—end of the skid!” .
What’s Next?
Liverpool hosts Brentford in the PL on October 25, then Monaco in UCL on October 29.
Frankfurt faces Freiburg in Bundesliga on October 26.
This rout reignites Liverpool’s UCL hopes—watch them soar!