Luis Diaz hattrick gives Liverpool 4-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in UCL

Xabi Alonso’s return to Anfield took an emotional but ultimately disappointing turn as Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, surged to a 4-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.

Alonso, a beloved figure from his 2005 Champions League-winning days at Liverpool, was once considered a top candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp before choosing to continue his journey in Germany.

Luis Diaz stole the spotlight with a sensational hat-trick, securing Liverpool’s position at the top of the standings with 12 points from four games.

Though the first half was uneventful, with Leverkusen successfully stifling Liverpool’s momentum, Diaz’s breakthrough came in the 61st minute when he lofted a finish over Lukas Hradecky after a well-placed pass from Curtis Jones.

Cody Gakpo doubled Liverpool’s lead two minutes later, his goal validated by a VAR review.

Diaz added a close-range goal with seven minutes remaining, followed by his third after Darwin Nunez’s shot was blocked, allowing Diaz to hammer in the rebound.

Liverpool’s defenders and keeper Caoimhin Kelleher efficiently neutralized any Leverkusen threats, maintaining a clean sheet.

Liverpool’s second-half power surge continued their trend of slow starts and thrilling finishes, leaving Alonso’s hopes of a Champions League upset unfulfilled.

Slot, in his understated manner, acknowledged the fans’ applause, showing quiet confidence as he builds on Klopp’s legacy with his own impressive start.