Mohamed Salah came off the bench to score an incredible six-minute hat-trick as Liverpool obliterated Rangers 7-1 in the Champions League.
Rangers took the lead through Scott Arfield but the brilliant Roberto Firmino levelled it up and Liverpool took over half-time, scoring six unanswered goals – including three in six minutes from substitute Salah – to leave the hosts unable to make it through to the last 16.
Firmino got his second to give Liverpool the lead on 55 minutes before the Brazilian’s flick set up Darwin Nunez to net his second goal in as many games. Salah then took over, scoring the first of his three goals on 75 minutes and securing the match ball with two more ruthless finishes against the hapless Rangers defence.
After a such a bright start, it turned into an embarrassing night for Rangers, who lost both Connor Goldson and Ryan Jack to injuries and conceded a seventh to Harvey Elliott that was eventually awarded by VAR.
Liverpool’s spectacular second half meant it was Rangers’ heaviest ever defeat in a competitive match at Ibrox.
After Napoli beat Ajax 4-2 earlier in the night, Liverpool now just need one point from their final two games at away to Ajax and home to Napoli to assure their qualification. Rangers are bottom after four straight defeats.
This was a timely boost for Jurgen Klopp’s men, who face Manchester City on Sunday.
