Liverpool delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield, dealing a tough blow to Bayer Leverkusen manager and former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso on his return to the iconic stadium. The win was not only emphatic but also marked a memorable night for Liverpool fans, as they saw their team overwhelm a strong opponent in European competition.
After a tense and goalless first half, Liverpool unleashed a dominant second-half performance, spearheaded by Luis Diaz, who secured an impressive hat-trick that was crucial in breaking down Leverkusen’s defenses and sealing the victory for the Reds.
The first half saw both teams battling intensely but struggling to create clear goal-scoring opportunities. The main highlight came when Jeremie Frimpong’s goal was disallowed due to a handball, denying Leverkusen a crucial early advantage. This decision, along with resilient defending by both sides, kept the match scoreless going into halftime.
Despite Liverpool’s strong record at Anfield, Bayer Leverkusen demonstrated tactical discipline, managing to control possession for significant portions of the game. However, they struggled to convert their dominance into genuine chances, ultimately failing to capitalize on their first-half momentum.
The game took a dramatic turn in the second half as Liverpool returned to the field with renewed intensity and focus. Their attacking efforts intensified, and it wasn’t long before Diaz opened the scoring in the 61st minute, breaking the deadlock and igniting the Anfield crowd.
Shortly after Diaz’s opener, Cody Gakpo doubled Liverpool’s lead with a powerful header, putting the Reds firmly in control at 2-0. This goal seemed to deflate Leverkusen, whose defensive organization began to falter under Liverpool’s relentless pressure.
With Leverkusen visibly struggling to keep up, Diaz capitalized on their defensive lapses, scoring two more goals to complete his hat-trick. His clinical finishing left no room for a Leverkusen comeback, and Liverpool’s front line maintained their dominance until the final whistle, sealing a comprehensive and well-deserved victory for the hosts.