Mohamed Salah was on target for the first time since November as Liverpool thrashed Qarabag to automatically reach the last 16 of the Champions League.

Salah scored Liverpool's third as Arne Slot's side once again found respite in the competition away from domestic troubles in the Premier League.

The Egyptian last scored in Liverpool's win against Aston Villa on 1 November - since when he put his long-term future in question with a public attack on Slot and the club after being dropped, then went to the Africa Cup Of Nations with his country.

It was all smiles here, though, as Liverpool outclassed the Azerbaijan side, the outcome never in doubt.

Liverpool were on their way after 15 minutes when Alexis Mac Allister headed home from a corner, technology ruling the ball had crossed the line despite the desperate attempts of Qarabag goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski to claw it out.

Florian Wirtz's crisp low finish doubled Liverpool's lead six minutes later before Salah's big moment arrived five minutes after the break.

Salah had been fouled on the edge of the area before curling the resulting free-kick into the top corner from Dominik Szoboszlai's touch, celebrating flamboyantly in front of the Kop.

Qarabag were being run ragged, Liverpool quickly adding two more when Hugo Ekitike raced clear, then Mac Allister tapped in his second from almost on the goalline after a defensive shambles.

Substitute Federico Chiesa completed the rout with a simple finish from Virgil van Dijk's pass in the final moments.

Liverpool's only disappointment on a comfortable night was another muscle injury to Jeremie Frimpong, which forced him off inside the first two minutes.

Salah's season of turmoil took a turn for the better in the most comfortable and untroubled game Liverpool have had this season.

The loss at Bournemouth placed Slot and his players under severe scrutiny once more in what has become a dismal defence of their Premier League title.

The Champions League has, however, been a happier hunting ground as Liverpool followed their 3-0 win in Marseille by ruthlessly dismissing Qarabag.

And for Salah it was a night when he again felt the affection of the Liverpool fans who worship him for his stellar contributions to their recent successes.

He had not scored in his previous eight appearances for Liverpool, and how he needed a goal after tumultuous events that have surrounded him, especially his Elland Road outburst when he claimed he had been "thrown under the bus" by the club and Slot by being left out.

And his joy was clear after scoring, turning to the Kop with arms outstretched before tapping the badge on his Liverpool shirt.

Slot enjoyed that moment - and plenty of others - as Liverpool made sure early on there would be no shocks or mistakes by setting up the victory with two early goals.

Liverpool's win does not answer many of the questions that still surround Slot after so many poor performances, but this win, and the place in the last 16 that goes with it, will not do self-confidence or self-belief any harm - and the Dutch head coach will welcome that.

Liverpool return to action in the Premier League on Saturday, 31 January when they face Newcastle United at Anfield (20:00 GMT). The Reds sit sixth, with the Magpies three points and three places behind in ninth.

Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.