Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen marked the return of club legend Xabi Alonso to Anfield, but it was Luis Díaz who stole the show, scoring a hat-trick in a commanding 4-0 victory for the Reds. Despite a challenging first half, Liverpool found their rhythm in the final 30 minutes, sealing their fourth consecutive Champions League win and continuing their unbeaten streak under manager Arne Slot.
Anfield welcomed Alonso back with warmth, with fans singing his song and applauding him as he touched the iconic “This Is Anfield” sign. However, his team’s struggle against Liverpool’s relentless attack underscored the gap between the two sides. Here are five key talking points from Liverpool’s dominant win over Bayer Leverkusen.
1. Luis Díaz’s Hat-Trick Shines in Anfield
Luis Díaz delivered a performance to remember, scoring his first Liverpool hat-trick and showing his versatility in attack. In a game that saw manager Arne Slot experiment with Díaz in a central role and Cody Gakpo on the left, Díaz’s pace and precision made him a constant threat for Leverkusen’s defense.
After a quiet first half, Díaz’s moment came when Curtis Jones threaded a perfect through ball, setting up Díaz for a deft chip over the goalkeeper to break the deadlock. He later fired home his second and third goals with clinical precision, underlining his growing importance to Slot’s Liverpool. With Díaz’s confidence and scoring prowess on full display, the Colombian forward is proving to be a valuable asset in Liverpool’s Champions League campaign.
2. Cody Gakpo’s New Role and Impact
Slot’s tactical flexibility was evident, as he opted to start Díaz centrally with Gakpo on the left. Gakpo made the most of his position, adding Liverpool’s second goal with a powerful header after a Mohamed Salah cross. VAR checked and confirmed the goal, sparking celebrations among Liverpool fans.
This attacking setup, with Díaz and Gakpo switching roles, showcased Slot’s willingness to experiment to maximize each player’s strengths. Gakpo, who has largely played centrally this season, looked comfortable on the left, proving that Liverpool’s forward line can adapt to different setups. The success of this combination will give Slot more options as he navigates the Reds’ busy fixture list.
3. Florian Wirtz Shows Glimpses of Brilliance
Although Liverpool dominated the second half, Leverkusen’s young star Florian Wirtz impressed with his skill and creativity. Positioned between Liverpool’s midfield and defense, Wirtz was Leverkusen’s most dangerous player, using his dribbling ability to find pockets of space. While his efforts did not yield any goals, Wirtz’s potential was clear.
Wirtz, who shone in Leverkusen’s successful league campaign last season, caught the attention of Liverpool fans and may well be a player the Reds consider in the future. His intelligence on the ball and ability to unlock defenses could make him a valuable addition to any top European club.
4. Another Slow Start but a Dominant Finish for Liverpool
Despite their strong second-half performance, Liverpool’s recent trend of slow starts continued. This was the third consecutive game in which they failed to score in the first half, with the only real action in the opening 45 minutes coming from Jeremie Frimpong’s disallowed goal for handball. Slot, visibly frustrated in the technical area, may look to address this issue as the season progresses.
Liverpool’s methodical approach allows them to gain control over the game, but an early goal could have relieved some pressure against an opponent like Leverkusen. Fortunately, the Reds’ intensity in the second half proved decisive. As the Champions League competition stiffens, a faster start could be critical, especially against top-tier teams.
5. Xabi Alonso’s Tough Anfield Return
Xabi Alonso’s return to Anfield was met with admiration, but his side struggled to match Liverpool’s pace and tactical precision. After a strong first half, Leverkusen could not keep up with Liverpool’s intensity in the final 30 minutes, with Alonso’s tactical plans falling short against his former club.
Alonso, who led Leverkusen to a strong league finish last season, had hoped for a better result on his Anfield return. His struggles in this match, however, underline the learning curve as he gains experience against Europe’s elite clubs. While he remains a highly regarded manager, the game showcased the gap between Leverkusen and top-tier Champions League contenders like Liverpool. Alonso may one day lead a club like Liverpool, but for now, he faces a challenging journey with Leverkusen in their quest for European success.
Liverpool’s Champions League Progress and Upcoming Challenges
With this win, Liverpool have now secured four wins from four games in the Champions League, setting them up as strong contenders to advance from the group. The victory also grants Liverpool the flexibility to rotate their squad in upcoming fixtures, especially with their next match against Real Madrid at Anfield.
| The Champions League points table as it stands after the conclusion of tonight’s fixtures. pic.twitter.com/qtuOFg4PFA
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) November 5, 2024
Liverpool’s impressive form in Europe has solidified their status among the top eight in the new 36-team Champions League format. This achievement, which would have seen them progress as group winners in the previous format, allows Slot to manage his squad carefully, especially with the packed schedule ahead.
Anfield’s Fortress and Liverpool’s Champions League Ambitions
Liverpool’s 4-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen showcased their firepower, resilience, and the tactical ingenuity of manager Arne Slot. Luis Díaz’s hat-trick, Gakpo’s versatility, and Slot’s ability to adapt the forward line were the highlights of a performance that underlined Liverpool’s European ambitions.
Xabi Alonso’s return to Anfield was bittersweet, as his team struggled to contain a dominant Liverpool side. Although Leverkusen showed promise in the first half, they were ultimately outclassed, with Liverpool’s second-half surge proving too much.
As Liverpool looks forward to their next Champions League test against Real Madrid, their continued success in Europe will depend on maintaining their strong form and addressing their slow starts. With four wins from four games, Liverpool fans have every reason to be optimistic about their team’s chances of making a deep run in the Champions League this season.
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