Liverpool cruise past Barnsley to reach FA Cup fourth round

January 13, 2026 / 12:29 PM

Sharjah24: Liverpool joined the list of qualifiers for the fourth round of the FA Cup after securing a convincing 4–1 win over third-tier side Barnsley. The match confirmed Liverpool’s superiority, as they controlled proceedings for most of the encounter.

The breakthrough came early when Hungarian international Dominik Szoboszlai unleashed a powerful long-range strike into the top corner in the ninth minute. Liverpool doubled their lead through Dutchman Jeremie Frimpong in the 36th minute, putting the hosts firmly in control. Barnsley, however, pulled one back just before half-time, capitalising on a misplaced backheel pass from Szoboszlai, which Adam Phillips converted in the 40th minute.

Late goals seal qualification

Head coach Arne Slot introduced several key players after the hour mark, including Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Ibrahima Konaté and Ryan Gravenberch, to ensure there would be no upset. The substitutions paid off as Wirtz scored in the 84th minute, and Ekitike added a fourth goal deep into stoppage time, sealing Liverpool’s place in the next round.