Liverpool took a decisive step in the Champions League on Tuesday, dominating Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 at Anfield. Luis Diaz stole the show with a brilliant hat-trick, helping the Reds move closer to securing a spot in the knockout stages. Cody Gakpo also found the net, maintaining Liverpool’s unbeaten run in Europe with four wins out of four matches. This impressive form sees Liverpool sitting comfortably at the top of their Champions League group with 12 points, nearly guaranteeing their place in the last 16.
Xabi Alonso’s Bittersweet Return to Anfield
Former Liverpool midfielder and current Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso returned to Anfield to face his former club in a bittersweet reunion. Alonso, who won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, received a warm reception from the home fans, who chanted his name as the match came to a close. Despite this, the heavy defeat cast a shadow over his return, leaving the Spanish coach reflective about the evening’s outcome.
“One thing is the game, and the other thing was the reception,” Alonso said post-match. “I have a bitter feeling, but I’m truly grateful to still feel that bond with Liverpool after so many years. It would have been nicer with a better result.”
Despite a successful run with Leverkusen last season, which included an unbeaten league and cup double in Germany, Alonso chose to stay with the Bundesliga side, turning down speculation of succeeding Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
Arne Slot’s Tactical Genius: Moving Diaz Central
Liverpool manager Arne Slot once again demonstrated his tactical prowess by positioning Diaz in a central attacking role. The decision paid off brilliantly, as Diaz netted his first hat-trick for Liverpool. Much like their weekend win against Brighton in the Premier League, it wasn’t until the second half that Liverpool’s attacking rhythm clicked.
Slot expressed his satisfaction with the tactical shift after the game, saying, “In the second half, we adjusted the game plan, took more risks, and were more comfortable with the ball. Playing at Liverpool means embracing the pressure, and nights like these make it all worthwhile.”
Diaz and Gakpo Shine with Clinical Finishing
The game sprang to life in the 60th minute with a stunning assist from Curtis Jones, who skillfully evaded his marker and delivered a pinpoint pass to Diaz. The Colombian forward seized the opportunity, chipping the ball over Leverkusen’s goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky to score the opener.
Two minutes later, Liverpool doubled their lead with another well-crafted play. Mohamed Salah whipped in a driven cross, which Gakpo powerfully headed into the net. Although the linesman initially flagged for offside, VAR confirmed that Gakpo was onside, allowing the Anfield crowd to celebrate his sixth goal of the season.
Leverkusen’s best chance came moments later when Victor Boniface narrowly missed with a header, failing to capitalize on an opportunity that could have brought the visitors back into the game. Instead, Liverpool extended their lead seven minutes from time when Diaz expertly controlled Salah’s looping cross before firing in his second goal of the match. Diaz capped off his hat-trick in stoppage time with a sharp finish, following a blocked shot by Darwin Nunez that fell perfectly into his path.
Liverpool’s Champions League Journey: Closing in on Knockout Qualification
With 12 points from four matches, Liverpool are virtually assured of advancing to the Champions League knockout stage, and a top-eight finish in the 36-team league would guarantee direct progression to the last 16. The team’s form under Slot has been impressive, with 14 wins in 16 games across all competitions, solidifying Liverpool’s position as one of Europe’s strongest contenders this season.
Leverkusen’s Setback, But Alonso Remains Hopeful
The defeat was a blow to Leverkusen, who now sit at seven points in their Champions League group and have slipped to fourth place in the Bundesliga, seven points behind league leaders Bayern Munich. Despite this setback, Alonso remains optimistic about Leverkusen’s chances of progressing in the competition, especially with three of their final four group-stage games scheduled at home.
“We’re still in a strong position to advance to the next round,” Alonso said, reflecting on the night’s events. “It will be hard to sleep tonight, but we’ll look for positives as we prepare for the remaining matches.”
A Promising Future for Liverpool and Challenges Ahead for Leverkusen
Liverpool’s emphatic performance and Luis Diaz’s hat-trick have further reinforced their Champions League ambitions, putting them on a promising path toward knockout success. As they approach the latter stages of the competition, Liverpool’s unwavering form continues to signal their readiness to challenge Europe’s elite clubs.
For Leverkusen, the defeat is a wake-up call as they aim to rebuild their momentum. With Alonso at the helm, Leverkusen’s young squad is likely to learn from the experience as they continue to grow under his guidance.