Liverpool defeated Germany's top-ranked Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 in the third round of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, thanks to goals from Ekitik, Van Dijk, Konate, Gakpo, and Soboslai. After their victory, Liverpool defender Van Dijk emphasized the importance of players facing all setbacks and challenges together and not being affected by negative external criticism.

In the 26th minute, Götze passed the ball from outside the penalty area to Christensen, who fired a low shot that hit the post and bounced into the net, giving Frankfurt a 1-0 lead. In the 35th minute, Robertson intercepted the ball and passed it to Ekitik, who ran into the penalty area and shot over Frankfurt goalkeeper Zeitler, helping Liverpool equalize the score at 1-1.

In the 39th minute, Gakpo assisted Van Dijk with a header from a corner kick, helping Liverpool to overtake 2-1. In the 44th minute, Soboslai took a corner kick and Konate headed the ball into the goal, helping Liverpool continue to lead Frankfurt 3-1.

In the 66th minute of the second half, Wirtz passed the ball to the unguarded Gakpo, who pushed the ball into the goal, helping Liverpool extend their lead to 4 to 1. In the 70th minute, Wirtz passed the ball to Soboslai, who scored from outside the penalty area, giving Liverpool a significant lead over Frankfurt.

In the end, Liverpool defeated Frankfurt 5-1 away. After winning 3 points, Liverpool is currently ranked 10th in the standings with 6 points.

Every day should be better than yesterday

Liverpool captain Van Dijk said in an interview, "We, or at least I, have been working in the football field for a long time, so I wouldn't say it's a relief, but of course the losing streak has disappointed everyone. For me, this is the first time we've experienced four consecutive defeats. This is a challenge that the team needs to face together. We must unite, block out the outside noise and keep working hard. We won the game and got 3 points. Next we have to recover our fitness and prepare for the game against Brentford."

"My goal was in front of the goal, and Konate's was a powerful header. I remember the last time we both scored was in Milan. It was of course good to be able to contribute in attack and help the team to win."

In addition, Van Dijk also said, "We have been striving for a clean sheet and everyone has tried their best, but it is inevitable to concede goals in the game. It is a pity that we failed to do so, but the key is how to deal with it. The most important thing is to win and keep improving, and be better than yesterday every day. It may sound cliché, but this is indeed the only idea we should have. Like I said, don't be led by those negative voices, we must focus on performance and strive to improve."

As for how to deal with negative criticism from the outside world, Van Dijk said, "It's actually quite easy for me. I have been in this industry longer than others. This is also the message that we have repeatedly emphasized in the team. The only way to play at the best level is to focus on the current task, that is to perform as a whole."

"Only teamwork can win games. We have strong individual qualities, otherwise we wouldn't be playing for Liverpool. But we must unite to succeed. Keep working hard and don't be distracted by external things."