Liverpool booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 4–1 victory over Barnsley, but the scoreline did not fully reflect how demanding the contest proved to be at Anfield.

The hosts started with authority and were rewarded when Dominik Szoboszlai broke the deadlock with a thunderous long-range strike that lifted the stadium. Moments later, Jeremie Frimpong doubled the advantage, seemingly putting Arne Slot’s side firmly in control.

However, just before half-time, a costly error from Szoboszlai handed Barnsley a lifeline, allowing the visitors to reduce the deficit and inject real tension into the match.

The decisive moments came late on, when Liverpool’s depth made the difference. Substitutes Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike brought energy, precision and goals, sealing the win for the Reds’.

2025-26, England - FA Cup

Liverpool - Barnsley 4:1 (2:1)
Goals: Szoboszlai, 9 (1:0); Frimpong J., 36 (2:0); Phillips Ad., 40 (2:1); Wirtz, 84 (3:1); Ekitike, 90 (4:1)

Liverpool: Mamardashvili; Gomez (Konate, 60); van Dijk; Robertson A.; Frimpong J. (Wirtz, 60); Szoboszlai; Mac Allister A. (Nyoni, 88); Chiesa F. (Ekitike, 60); Jones Cur.; Ngumoha (Gravenberch R., 73); Gakpo
Substitution: Konate (from 60); Wirtz (from 60); Ekitike (from 60); Gravenberch R. (from 73); Nyoni (from 88)
Bench: Alisson; Endo W.; Kerkez M.; Ramsay C.
Yellow Cards: Gomez 32

Barnsley: Durand de Gevigney; Ogbeta (O'Connell E., 73); Watson T.; Phillips Ad. (Kelly, 73); Keillor-Dunn (Mcgoldrick, 81); Cleary
Substitution: O'Connell E. (from 73); Kelly (from 73); Mcgoldrick (from 81)
Bench: Roberts M.; Gent