Liverpool secured their place in the FA Cup fourth round with a 4-1 victory over League One side Barnsley

Liverpool secured their place in the FA Cup fourth round with a 4-1 victory over League One side Barnsley at Anfield on January 12, 2026. The Reds will now face Brighton & Hove Albion in the next stage.Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring in the 9th minute with a powerful long-range strike, assisted by Alexis Mac Allister.

Jeremie Frimpong doubled the lead in the 36th minute with an excellent left-footed effort from distance, again set up by Mac Allister.Barnsley fought back impressively and pulled one goal back just before halftime. Szoboszlai attempted a risky backheel in his own penalty area, miscontrolled the ball, and allowed Adam Phillips to score in the 40th minute, making it 2-1 at the break.

The visitors remained competitive in the second half, hitting the woodwork early and creating several chances. They were denied a potential penalty when Reyes Cleary went down under a challenge from Szoboszlai, though no spot-kick was awarded.

Arne Slot introduced substitutes Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike around the hour mark to inject fresh energy. Wirtz restored the two-goal cushion in the 84th minute with a precise curled finish after clever interplay involving Ekitike. Ekitike then sealed the result in added time (90+4'), tapping in following a Wirtz assist to complete the 4-1 scoreline.

The win advances Liverpool despite a performance that required late individual quality to overcome a determined Barnsley outfit, who earned praise for their bravery and organization against higher-division opposition.