Liverpool arrived in Germany on a shaky note – a four‑hour delay on the squad plane and a run of four straight defeats across all competitions, the worst streak since 2014.
The Reds had not won in 17 league outings, echoing the infamous 1953‑54 relegation season, and had conceded 18 goals in eight games, with keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili leaking a goal in every start.
Frankfurt seized the early advantage, with former Leeds defender Rasmus Kristensen finishing past Mamardashvili on 26 minutes to give the hosts a 1‑0 lead.
The tide turned in nine frantic minutes. A pinpoint long ball from Andy Robertson split the Frankfurt defence, allowing Hugo Ekitike – the club’s £79 million summer signing – to sprint clear and slot home against his former side (35’).
Two set‑piece headers followed: Virgil van Dijk rose to meet Cody Gakpo’s left‑footed corner (39’), and Ibrahima Konaté powered home from Dominik Szoboszlai’s right‑handed corner (44’), giving Liverpool a 3‑1 halftime lead.
After the break, Florian Wirtz – back to his best after a sub‑par first half – delivered a perfect cross for Gakpo, who tapped in the fourth goal on 66 minutes.
Szoboszlai then curled a low, hard strike past Michael Zetterer on 70 minutes, sealing the 5‑1 scoreline.
Arne Slot made five changes from the Manchester United defeat, dropping Mohamed Salah to the bench, and praised set‑piece coach Aaron Briggs for the turnaround on dead‑ball situations.
The victory lifts Liverpool ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Brentford, offering a confidence boost after a turbulent October.
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