In a night of dominance at Anfield, Liverpool centre-back **Virgil van Dijk** stepped into the spotlight and accomplished something no defender in Champions League history has ever managed: registering **three assists** in one match.
The Reds demolished Qarabag 6-0 on January 28, 2026, in their final league-phase fixture, securing third place in the standings and direct progression to the round of 16. While goals came from Alexis Mac Allister (15′, 61′), Florian Wirtz (21′), Mohamed Salah (50′), Hugo Ekitiké (57′), and Federico Chiesa (90′), van Dijk emerged as the unexpected architect of the rout—not through goals or tackles, but via his pinpoint distribution from deep.
The 34-year-old Dutch captain provided assists for three of Liverpool’s strikes:
– His delivery set up Mac Allister’s opener in the 15th minute.
– A precise pass released Ekitiké for the fourth in the 57th minute.
– In the closing stages, van Dijk advanced unusually far forward before threading a through ball to Chiesa for the sixth goal in the 90th minute.
Opta and multiple reports confirmed this as unprecedented: the first time a central defender has notched a hat-trick of assists in a single UEFA Champions League game. Van Dijk, typically renowned for his defensive mastery—strength, aerial dominance, and leadership—showcased his playmaking ability, stepping into advanced areas amid Liverpool’s makeshift backline (with Ryan Gravenberch deputising centrally due to injuries to Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konaté, and others).
The feat drew widespread praise, with outlets describing it as “incredible” and “unexpected Champions League history.” Van Dijk, who also threatened from set-pieces (narrowly missing headers), assumed much of the defensive responsibility while turning creator-in-chief. His performance highlighted his evolution into one of the most complete defenders in modern football, capable of influencing games in multiple ways.
This came amid Liverpool’s turbulent season: domestic struggles (sixth in the Premier League after a winless run) contrasted with European solidity, where they’ve recorded big wins over Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and now Qarabag. The result provided a confidence boost ahead of tough Premier League tests against Newcastle and Manchester City.
For van Dijk—captain, 2019 Ballon d’Or runner-up, and widely regarded as one of the greatest centre-backs ever—the record adds another layer to his legacy. No other defender has achieved this creative output in Europe’s premier competition, underscoring why Liverpool fought to keep him amid contract talks and why he’s irreplaceable in Arne Slot’s setup.
Fans celebrated the milestone online, with many hailing it as proof of van Dijk’s all-around brilliance. In a season of pressure and scrutiny, this historic moment from a centre-back served as a reminder: sometimes the most unexpected contributions come from the back.
