Luis Diaz Hits Hat-Trick As Liverpool Spoil Xabi Alonso’s Return To Anfield

Liverpool’s accumulation of 12 points has essentially secured their spot in the knockout phase and brought them closer to guaranteeing direct advancement to the round of 16 by securing a top-eight position in the 36-team league.

Xabi Alonso expressed mixed feelings about revisiting Anfield as Liverpool secured a resounding 4-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, propelled by a memorable Luis Diaz hat-trick, propelling them to the summit of the Champions League standings. Cody Gakpo also found the net as the Reds preserved their flawless European record after completing four matches. Despite his history as a Champions League victor with Liverpool, Alonso opted to stay with Leverkusen rather than potentially taking over from Jurgen Klopp, following his success in guiding them to an undefeated German league and cup double in the previous season.

Arne Slot’s impressive beginning as manager persists with Liverpool securing their 14th victory in 16 matches across all competitions, leaving them devoid of any regrets.

Alonso, who graced the Reds’ lineup from 2004 to 2009, distinguished between the game itself and its reception, emphasizing the disparity.

Despite harboring a tinge of bitterness, I am truly grateful and appreciative that even after numerous years, I am able to maintain a strong bond with the club by returning here. However, it would have been more pleasant with a more favorable outcome.

Leverkusen is still sitting at seven points after completing four Champions League matches, experiencing yet another disappointing evening that challenges their aspirations of replicating the success they achieved last season.

Alonso’s team currently occupies the fourth spot in the Bundesliga, trailing leaders Bayern Munich by seven points. They were unable to conquer what their coach had previously referred to as a “delightful challenge.

Diaz’s remarkable performance in a central attacking position, a strategic move made by Slot, resulted in the Colombian securing his inaugural hat-trick for the team.

Endless hours of wakefulness

Similar to the scenario witnessed during Slot’s men achieving a 2-1 victory over Brighton last Saturday, the rejuvenation of both Liverpool and the Anfield crowd was delayed until the second half.

Slot mentioned that in the second half, they were able to tweak the game strategy, take more chances, and show improvement in ball possession.

At Liverpool, whether you work or engage in leisure activities, the pressure is always palpable. Nonetheless, we welcome this challenge wholeheartedly as we strive to compete in every endeavor. It is essential to acknowledge that by being part of this environment, you are privileged to savor remarkable evenings.

At the hour mark, a cautious tactical confrontation was suddenly enlivened by a burst of remarkable brilliance.

Jones twirled his pen before slicing through Leverkusen’s defense with an accurate pass to Diaz, who calmly chipped the oncoming Lukas Hradecky.

Shortly after, Liverpool finished off the visitors with a seamless attack.

Gakpo soared to head in Mohamed Salah’s powerful cross at the far post.

The celebrations came to a momentary halt as the linesman raised his flag, only for a VAR check to confirm that the Dutch forward was onside for his sixth goal of the season.

A massive opportunity to swiftly get Leverkusen back into the game was missed by Victor Boniface as he directed his shot wide.

Seven minutes before the match ended, Diaz managed to skillfully control Salah’s high cross and slot the ball into the net, extending Liverpool’s lead.

In stoppage time, the Colombian player sealed the scoring by netting his ninth goal of the season with a precise finish, capitalizing on a rebound from Darwin Nunez’s blocked shot.

Liverpool has secured 12 points, putting them in a strong position to advance to the knockout phase. Their excellent performance also edges them closer to securing a direct spot in the last 16 by finishing in the top eight of the 36-team league.

Alonso expresses confidence in Leverkusen’s progression despite slipping to 11th place, as three out of their last four matches will be played at home.

We have a strong chance to push through to the next stage,” he remarked. “While sleep might elude us tonight, we can also take the opportunity to focus on the positives.