Liverpool off to a perfect start in the new Champions League system, becoming the only team to win all four games.
Liverpool FC put up an outstanding display in the UEFA Champions League, defeating Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 at Anfield. This encounter not only demonstrated the team’s attacking power but also marked an important occasion for manager Arne Slot, as his side extended their perfect start to the tournament.
The first half of the contest was suspenseful, with both teams swapping chances but failing to score. Leverkusen appeared well-organized defensively, suffocating Liverpool’s assaults. However, as the second half progressed, the tide dramatically shifted in Liverpool’s advantage.
Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo scored goals to secure the victory at Anfield. Diaz scores his first Champions League hat trick, Cody adds a goal, and Salah assists twice.
While the attacking performance was outstanding, Liverpool’s defense was similarly impressive. Virgil van Dijk and his defensive teammates kept Leverkusen at bay, preventing them from creating serious chances. The team’s strong defense and goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher’s agility resulted in a clean sheet, a remarkable achievement in such a crucial game.
Luis Díaz was undoubtedly the night’s standout. The Colombian winger was a constant threat, and he left his imprint by scoring a magnificent hat-trick. His first goal came shortly after the break, a perfectly performed chip over the goalie that enthralled the Anfield crowd.
Arne Slot post match thoughts:
“It wasn’t always easy. Leverkusen had a good game plan. They played with a 9. It wasn’t easy to get a good press on them but they had no goal threat at all.”
“It’s been a very good start but we had to work very hard for it. But that’s what this club is known for.”
“We took more risk (second half), we weren’t afraid to go 1 v 1. We said at half time.. ‘just take the risk’.”
Arne Slot on Luis Diaz: “Tah is a well known & respected centre back. If a play with a number 9 , Tah is just gonna kill him! So let’s try to get Lucho to drop into midfield or make runs in behind. That’s why we played Lucho in that position instead of a target man like Darwin.”
Arne Slot on Kelleher: “We only needed him 3-4 mins before the end..til then we defended really well we were comfortable. Whether it’s Alisson or Caoimh, when we need them they show up.”
Xabi Alonso’s post match thoughts:
: “First half we were pretty good. Second half, the first 10 mins, they were not so good. We were not able to keep the ball that well. We were not able to find players in the right position. We were playing more and more in our pitch (half). Our intensity in defence because of lack of possession got a little bit lower, the distances between the players got a bit harder, we were not squeezing enough. That’s how the first goal came.”
“It’s difficult, the score more than the performance.”
Alonso on his return to Anfield:
“I am really happy and thankful for that reception.
Liverpool’s 4-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen was a masterclass in football, combining technique, planning, and raw drive. As the players rejoiced on the field, the supporters in the stands realized they had witnessed something extraordinary. This encounter underlined the team’s talent. The Reds are prepared for any challenge that comes their way.
Anfield Insights 