In Tuesday’s 4-0 victory over Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield, Liverpool Luis Diaz scored a hat-trick as they continued their undefeated Champions League campaign with an incredible second-half performance.
Liverpool Tops Champions League Group
With their fourth victory in four games, Arne Slot’s team, currently atop the Premier League table, temporarily took the lead in the standings of Europe’s top club competition. On Wednesday, Aston Villa, the only other team with a perfect record, will play Club Brugge in their fourth game.
Alonso, a manager and former Liverpool hero who hoisted the Champions League trophy with the Reds in 2005, returned to manage Leverkusen after a disappointing season.
Xabi Alonso Reflects on the Defeat
Alonso told Amazon Prime, “I think the outcome hurts more than the performance.” However, we weren’t satisfied today, even though this is the Champions League’s highest level.
I made an effort to separate the game, the hurt, the outcome, and the pleasant emotions in order to return. He continued, “I’m really happy and thankful for that reception,” referring to the warm welcome he received from the Anfield crowd.
Slot’s Tactical Adjustment at Halftime
Before ruling himself out of the running, Alonso was widely regarded as a potential successor to former Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp. However, Slot has shown himself to be a worthy Klopp substitute, and his team talk at halftime undoubtedly helped them win their 14th game in 16 this season.
Slot told Amazon Prime, “In the second half, we took more chances.” We made adjustments at halftime and decided to risk playing one-on-one all over because they heavily overloaded the midfield.
Diaz Breaks the Deadlock
In the 61st minute, the Colombian broke the deadlock of what had been a slow match by timing his run onto Curtis Jones’ precise pass through the centre of Leverkusen’s defence and lifting the ball over keeper Lukas Hradecky. The Dutchman’s decision to play Diaz as a centre-forward proved to be a brilliant one.
Gakpo and Diaz Secure Liverpool Lead
Two minutes later, Cody Gakpo dived to head Mohamed Salah’s cross home at the back post, doubling the Reds’ lead. Initially, the goal was declared offside, but VAR reversed the ruling.
In the 83rd minute, Diaz scored his second goal after latching onto a Salah cross and eluding a challenge before slipping past Hradecky.
Diaz Completes His Hat-trick
In a decisive victory, the six-time winners of Europe’s top competition defeated the Bundesliga champions, who had lost only once in all competitions the previous season. Diaz completed his hat-trick with a close-range tap-in during stoppage time after Darwin Nunez’s attempt was blocked.
I really enjoyed playing in that position today, but we have top-notch players all over the pitch. I’m going to work hard wherever I’m playing on the pitch, and I hope I can help the team, Diaz said, adding that he will go look for the match ball.
A Slow First Half for Both Teams
The first half was dull, and both teams lacked quality in the last third. A great chance for Liverpool was wasted by Gakpo, who shot straight at Hradecky after working the ball up the left side, while Jeremie Frimpong of Leverkusen had an attempt just before half time chalked off for a handball in the build-up.
With two victories, a draw, and a loss, Alonso’s Leverkusen are currently ranked eleventh in the Champions League standings.
Alonso’s History with Liverpool
Alonso, 42, played 210 games for Liverpool over a five-year period beginning in 2004. He was a member of the team that defeated AC Milan in the Champions League final in Istanbul, completing a stunning comeback.
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