A Luis Diaz firework display saw Liverpool move to the top of the Champions League table with a 4-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen, writes Elliot Hughes at Anfield.
The game was anticipated to be a close encounter on Xabi Alonso’s return to Merseyside, between the Bundesliga champions and current Premier League leaders. However, an emphatic second half display ensured Arne Slot’s side maintain their perfect record in Europe this season with another clean sheet at home.
After a goalless and somewhat dull first half, Liverpool scored two in two minutes after the break. The opener on the hour was the fitrst of a fine Luis Diaz hattrick. The Colombian was slipped in by a delightful Curtis Jones pass, for the winger to audaciously dink Lukas Hradecky in the Leverkusen goal.
The second came just two minutes later, as Cody Gakpo had to wait on a lengthy VAR check to confirm that he’d doubled the lead with a back post header from a Mohamed Salah cross.
From there the final half hour of play was sheer dominance for the Reds.
Salah got his second assist of the evening in the 83rd minute with another ball to the back post. Diaz was there to hold off his man and double his tally.
Liverpool keeper Caoimhin Kelleher was finally called into action late on and the Irishman proved to be as reliable as ever with a fantastic double save.
Diaz completed his hattrick in added time as he fired in a rebounded Darwin Nunez effort to the satisfaction of the roaring Kop.
It may not have been the Anfield return that Alonso wished for, though his name rang around Anfield on the full-time whistle as Liverpool’s momentum continues.
Talking Points:
Diaz Hattrick:
In a huge European tie tonight, Luis Diaz netted his first Liverpool hattrick, as all three goals in came front of the Kop. The winger has been one of the most in form players in the world so far this season.
Jones Form Continues:
Liverpool Academy product Curtis Jones is another player that wowed fans again tonight. The Scouser created the opening goal with an inch perfect ball and was as energetic as ever in transition.
