Liverpool went into halftime with two goals, thanks to the efforts of the German and Alexis Mac Allister in the 15th minute.
A win at Anfield would ensure the Merseysiders finish in the top eight of the league stage, securing passage to the last sixteen.
Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz have a great relationship
There are plenty of signs that two of Liverpool’s summer signings have already become household names on the pitch.
Ekitike did well to hold the ball in Qarabag’s half after receiving a line-breaking pass, before turning, beating a man, inviting pressure and eventually passing to Wirtz in space.
Watch the link between Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz again below, courtesy of TNT Sports & Viaplay (on X):
Florian Wirtz scores his first Liverpool goal in the Champions League 🙌
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/PznRdtrQvu
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 28, 2026
Football is not easy, don’t let Wirtz and Ekitike fool you pic.twitter.com/jCPfw2MoEy
— Melo☔ ᶠᵃⁿ (@Melo_lfc) January 28, 2026
MORE FROM LIVERPOOL VS QARABAG: Why Jeremy Frimpong was withdrawn four minutes after the draw against Qarabag when Arne Slot ended up in injury hell
The pair’s latest combination now means they have scored 25 goals between them this season (all competitions).
What do the statistics say about Wirtz and Ekitike versus Qarabag?
After the hour, both Hugo Ekitike (7.5/10) and Florian Wirtz (8.4/10) have some of the strongest ratings on the pitch, by Sofa scores calculations.
| Florian Wirtz statistics | Hugo Ekitike statistics |
| 1 goal | 1 goal |
| 2 key cards | 1 assist |
| 2 recoveries | Missed 1 big opportunity |
| 2/5 ground duels won | 3/6 dribbles completed |
| 1/3 dribble completed | 2 key cards |
| 4/10 ground duels won |
*Statistics of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike at the time of writing versus Qarabag (Sofascore)
Amid the turbulence of Liverpool’s domestic efforts, the blossoming relationship between the former Bundesliga stars has been a shining light this season.
It obviously raises a long-term issue for Arne Slot, namely what to do with talismanic striker Alexander Isak once the Swede returns from injury.
Whatever the Dutchman decides, separating Wirtz and Ekitike in any form would clearly be unwise.
Likewise, keeping £125m of wealth in the bank doesn’t feel like a particularly viable solution either.
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