Xabi Alonso mentioned his return to Anfield was bittersweet after Liverpool thrashed Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 on Tuesday, due to a Luis Diaz hat-trick, to go prime of the Champions League desk. Cody Gakpo was additionally heading in the right direction because the Reds maintained their 100% report in Europe after 4 video games. Alonso, a Champions League winner throughout his enjoying days within the Liverpool midfield, turned his again on succeeding Jurgen Klopp to stay at Leverkusen after main them to an unbeaten German league and cup double final season.
The Spaniard’s identify was chanted by the house help within the closing levels.
Liverpool, although, are usually not left questioning what may need been as Arne Slot continued his gorgeous begin as supervisor with a 14th win in 16 video games in all competitions.
“One factor is the sport and the opposite factor was the reception,” mentioned Alonso, who performed for the Reds between 2004 and 2009.
“I’ve a bitter feeling however I actually recognize and (I am) grateful that after so a few years I come right here and nonetheless have that bond with the membership. However it could have been nicer with a greater consequence.”
Leverkusen stay on seven factors from their opening 4 Champions League matches after one other sobering night time for his or her ambitions to match the heights they hit final season.
Alonso’s males sit fourth within the Bundesliga, seven factors adrift of leaders Bayern Munich, and did not grasp what their coach described pre-match as a “stunning problem”.
Slot’s determination to maneuver Diaz right into a central position up entrance proved impressed because the Colombian struck his first hat-trick for the membership.
Sleepless night time
Identical to in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Brighton that took Slot’s males to the highest of the Premier League, it took till the second half for each Liverpool and the Anfield crowd to return to life.
“Second half we might modify the gameplan, we took extra dangers and we had been higher with the ball as properly,” mentioned Slot.
“If you happen to work or play at Liverpool you at all times feels strain however we embrace this as a result of we wish to full for all the pieces. You need to settle for in case you work or play right here you possibly can get pleasure from these unbelievable evenings.”
A cagey tactical battle was sparked into life on the hour mark by a second of gorgeous high quality.
Curtis Jones spun his marker earlier than splitting the Leverkusen defence with a pinpoint cross for Diaz, who nonchalantly chipped the advancing Lukas Hradecky.
Two minutes later, Liverpool killed the guests off with one other flowing transfer.
Mohamed Salah’s pushed cross was headed in on the again put up by the flying Gakpo.
The linesman raised his flag to momentarily silence the celebrations, however a VAR assessment confirmed the Dutch ahead was onside for his sixth aim of the season.
Victor Boniface headed vast with an enormous likelihood to carry Leverkusen instantly again into the sport.
As a substitute, Liverpool pulled additional clear seven minutes from time when Diaz managed Salah’s looping cross and fired dwelling.
The Colombian then rounded off the scoring together with his ninth aim of the season in stoppage time with one other medical end after Darwin Nunez’s blocked shot fell into his path.
Liverpool’s return of 12 factors means they’re virtually definitely already assured of a spot within the knockout part, however are closing in on sealing direct development to the final 16 by way of a top-eight end within the 36-team league.
Leverkusen slip to eleventh however Alonso is assured of progressing with three of their remaining 4 video games to return at dwelling.
“We’re in a great place to battle to undergo to the following spherical,” he added. “Right now it is going to be harder to sleep however we have now time to see the positives as properly.”
Matters talked about on this article