Liverpool v Barnsley, Getty Images January 12, 2026, 11:39 p.m

Liverpool got their FA Cup campaign off to a flying start with a 4-1 win over Barnsley in the last 32 of the competition. The match at Anfield turned out to be much more difficult for the reigning champions of England than it might seem from the final result.

The home team quickly seized the initiative and opened the score in the 9th minute — Dominik Soboslai made a magnificent shot from a long distance, leaving no chance for the visitors’ goalkeeper. In the middle of the first half, Liverpool’s advantage was doubled by Jeremy Frimpong, who effectively moved from the flank and shot into the nine.

However, before the break, Barnsley took advantage of Soboslai’s blunder near his own goal – Adam Phillips coolly realized the moment and reduced the deficit, returning the intrigue to the match. In the second half, the guests had several chances to equalize the score and even claimed a penalty, but the referee left the episode without a whistle.

The end of the meeting remained for Liverpool. In the 84th minute, Florian Wirtz completed a quick combination with an accurate shot into the top corner, and already in stoppage time, Jugo Ekitike put an end to the match after a cross from the same Wirtz. Liverpool therefore confidently march into the last 16 of the FA Cup, while Barnsley leave the tournament with their heads held high.

*Liverpool — Barnsley 4:1
Goals: Soboslai, 9, Frimpong, 36, Wirtz, 84, Ekitike, 90+4 — A. Phillips, 40

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