Liverpool‘s triumph must be placed in the context of just how abysmal Qarabag were, but any win is good news for Slot and he is getting the best out of them in Europe following the 3-0 victory in Marseille.
It was a landmark night for Salah, making his 80th Champions League appearance for Liverpool to equal Jamie Carragher’s club record.
Of greater significance was that he produced a touch of vintage Salah to ensure he surrounded himself with a different, more satisfying noise, than he has heard this season.
Salah had not scored in his previous eight games for Liverpool, stretching back to the 2-0 win against Aston Villa at Anfield on 1 November. This was all before his rare, but calculated, public attack after sitting out the 3-3 draw at Leeds United.
He came into this game with only five goals from 22 appearances this season, a meagre return compared to the riches he has delivered in a magnificent Liverpool career.
Liverpool were already leading 2-0 when Salah had the moment he has waited for in the 50th minute.
The Egyptian had been fouled on the edge of the area, making Qarabag pay when he took Dominik Szoboszlai’s quick touch to send a curving left-foot free-kick past goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski into the top corner.
He took the acclaim of his team-mates before standing with arms outstretched in front of the Kop before tapping the badge on his Liverpool shirt, smiling broadly after the turmoil he has been through this season.
After the final whistle he was back in the same place offering his thanks to Liverpool‘s supporters on a rare recent night of joy.
It capped a evening of straightforward celebration in a season of tumult for Salah, Slot and Liverpool.
Slot said: “I’m very pleased with the performance. We know we can still improve – and need to improve – in both boxes, but it was a very good performance.
“It’s always important to get the early goals to get the crowd on our side. We know we can do even better, but we’re pleased.”
Liverpool have history with this illustrious tournament – bags of it. And for all their failings in the Premier League, they have given themselves a chance to add more.
