Van Dijk vows Liverpool will fight in Europe’s knockout rounds — with a touch of steely humor
28 January 2026
Match Preview
Van Dijk promises the Reds will fight in the Champions League as they host Qarabag tonight at Anfield in the final group-stage match.
Liverpool need a win to secure direct qualification to the last 16 of Europe’s premier competition.
In remarks on the club’s official site, Van Dijk said: "We understand the importance of tonight’s game, and as a team we must achieve the result and performance required to guarantee our place in the last 16."
He added: "We have worked hard to reach this stage and have beaten very strong teams, but now we must seal the job."
He stressed: "This competition means a lot to us, and we must stay focused and ready to work hard from the first minute to the last."
The article’s match-recap section features the competitive build-up, including the competition header for the Champions League and the visible team crests for Liverpool and Qarabag.
On the recent loss to Bournemouth, he admitted: "Very disappointing, especially as it ended our winning run."
He explained: "Losing in that manner, in stoppage time and by an unexpected goal after all the effort to come back, hit us hard."
Van Dijk continued: "We know our qualities as a team, but we must maintain this level of consistency and deliver strong performances game after game."
He concluded: "As I said, this Champions League means a lot to everyone, and we are determined to go as far as possible in it."
Note: the match is set to kick off on January 28, 2026 at 21:00 local time, with official matchday details displayed in the recap header showing the competition’s name and both teams’ crests.
Punchline: Liverpool’s defense is so tight, even the ball checks for a passport before crossing the line.
Punchline 2: And if Champions League drama had a fan club, tonight’s game already has a life membership.
