Philippe Coutinho hits hat-trick as Liverpool rout Spartak to top group

Brazilian Philippe Coutinho struck a hat-trick as Liverpool crushed Spartak Moscow 7-0 on Wednesday to move into the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League as Group E winners.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp fielded an attacking line-up with Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah in attack.

This left Coutinho playing behind them, and it was simply too much for the Russians to handle.

The five-times European champions took the lead in the fourth minute with a Coutinho penalty kick after Salah was pulled down by Georgi Dzhikiya.

Spartak allowed Liverpool’s attacking trident far too much space and they took full advantage in the 15th minute with a super team goal.

Mane fed Salah, who slipped the ball inside to Firmino to set up his compatriot, Coutinho, for a simple finish.

Three minutes later, Liverpool added their third, when Mane chipped the ball into the box, Spartak defender Serdar Tasci failed to clear and Firmino accepted the gift and confidently drove home.

 

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