LIVERPOOL: Trent Alexander-Arnold’s stunning strike lit up Liverpool’s 4-0 win over League Two Accrington Stanley to cruise into the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.
The England international was named captain in the absence of Virgil van Dijk in a much-changed side named by Arne Slot and led by example after a being criticized for his display in a 2-2 draw against Manchester United last weekend.
Slot made eight changes after suffering just his second defeat in charge of the Reds in Wednesday’s League Cup semifinal first leg against Tottenham.
The Dutchman had warned the Premier League leaders that a trip to Anfield would be Accrington’s “Champions League final.”
A mammoth 86 league positions behind Liverpool in the 92-team English league system, Stanley held out for nearly half an hour.
Diogo Jota was left with a simple task to tap in from Darwin Nunez’s low cross to open the floodgates.
Alexander-Arnold then stepped forward to double the lead with a sumptuous hit into the top corner from outside the box.
Jayden Danns made the most of just his second appearance of the season to fire in the third 14 minutes from time.
Federico Chiesa’s Liverpool career has so far failed to get going due to injury problems.
But the Italian took advantage of some rare game time to net his first goal for the club with a long range strike in off the far post.
“It was surreal,” said Accrington forward and Liverpool fan Josh Woods.
“They are world-class players and on the counter it is hard to stop.”
Manchester City also face fourth-tier opposition later against Salford City, who are owned by a group of former Manchester United greats.
Investment from David Beckham, Gary and Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt have helped Salford rise through the non-league ranks since their involvement began in 2014.
Chelsea host Morecambe of League Two in another David against Goliath tie.
Another celebrity co-owner in the lower leagues of English football is already into round four as NFL legend Tom Brady’s Birmingham beat Lincoln 2-1.
Wolves’ bright start under new boss Vitor Pereira continued as early goals from Rayan Aït-Nouri and Rodrigo Gomes secured a 2-1 win at Bristol City.
Blackburn won an all-Championship clash 1-0 at Middlesbrough thanks to Andi Weimann’s winner.

Jeddah: Coaches Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid and Hansi Flick of Barcelona held press conferences before the final match of the Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah on Jan. 12.

Ancelotti spoke to the media at King Abdullah Sports City on Saturday, and discussed the match and preparation of his squad.

“We are very excited and confident as always in the finals. We are facing a great team and we know exactly how tough this Clasico match is,” he said.

On losing to Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the season, the Italian said: “We had a good game in the first half but the game later in the second half went down. Therefore, we have to avoid the mistakes we made.

“A Clasico is always a Clasico, even more so if it’s a final. Playing against Barcelona is always something special.”

He added: “If there’s a defeat, it’s a defeat. It’s the final; we’re very close to another title and we’re thinking positively.”

Ancelotti confirmed that in-form Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham will be fit and available for the clash.

“He is fine; he has recovered well. It was a normal load from matches. It’s very important because he’s on a good run. He is a player who has made a difference,” the manager said.

“Barcelona are always a historic rival and playing against them is very complicated; you can’t predict the result. We will try to do our best and try to win another title.”

Flick told the media that he hopes to win his first major trophy as Barcelona manager.

He described Real Madrid as a “great team,” adding: “We are fully prepared for them tomorrow night and hope we can perform better than what we did against Mallorca.

“We created many mistakes and we need to reduce them tomorrow night. Madrid is one of the best teams in the world in transition and they take advantage of any option you give them.”

The Dutchman confirmed that Dani Olmo is “very excited to play again.” 

Since the Spanish Super Cup was moved to Saudi Arabia in 2020, Real Madrid and Barcelona have delivered unforgettable showdowns.

Of the five editions held in Saudi Arabia, Real Madrid have claimed three titles (2020, 2022 and 2024), while the Catalans have won once (2023). Athletic Club triumphed in 2021, rounding out the winners of the new era.