Evening Standard
·5 November 2024
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·5 November 2024
Arne Slot’s all-conquering side turn on the style in the second-half
Liverpool's Luis Diaz scored a second-half hat-trick as they maintained their perfect Champions League campaign with a 4-0 victory over Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield on Tuesday.
Arne Slot's men provisionally lead the standings of Europe's elite competition with their fourth win in four matches, with Aston Villa, the only other team with a 100% record, playing Club Brugge in their fourth game on Wednesday.
Diaz broke the deadlock of what had been a sluggish affair in stunning fashion in the 61st minute, timing his run onto Curtis Jones' pinpoint pass through the heart of Leverkusen's defence before lifting the ball over keeper Lukas Hradecky.
Gakpo doubled the Reds' lead two minutes later when he dived to head Mohamed Salah's cross home at the back post. The goal was initially ruled offside but the decision was overturned by VAR.
Diaz netted his second in the 83rd minute when he latched onto a cross from Salah, and then held off a challenge before slotting past Hradecky and he completed his hat-trick with a tap-in from close range in stoppage time.
Live updates
2 minutes ago
Thanks for joining Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Liverpool’s big win over Bayer Leverkusen.
Find our report and reaction below!
2 minutes ago
Liverpool manager Arne Slot admits he did not imagine making such a stunning start to life at the club.
The Dutchman has overseen a remarkable 14 wins from his opening 16 games and saw his side go top of the new-look Champions League table with Tuesday’s 4-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen.
Action Images via Reuters
38 minutes ago
Xabi Alonso believes it’s “looking good” for former club Liverpool this season.
The Bayer Leverkusen boss was strongly tipped to replace Jurgen Klopp earlier this year but decided to stay with the German side, who he ultimately led to a stunning domestic double.
Alonso, however, saw his Leverkusen team dismantled 4-0 in a second-half masterclass at Anfield, with Arne Slot’s side continuing their perfect record in the Champions League this season.
AFP via Getty Images
1 hour ago
Luis Diaz scored a hat-trick as Liverpool made light work of German champions Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League at Anfield.
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
1 hour ago
A HUGE win for Liverpool, who improve after half-time again.
Nightmare return for Xabi Alonso.
2 hours ago
90 mins: GOAL!
Diaz gets his hat-trick after a searing counter!
2 hours ago
82 mins: GOAL!
Well, they were happy to see it out. Until now.
Liverpool pick up the pace again and Salah plays the ball across to Diaz, who shrugs off his marker, takes a fine touch and fires home!
2 hours ago
77 mins: Liverpool now look happy to see this one out.
2 hours ago
71 mins: Some turnaround, this.
Arne Slot may favour control but there’s just nothing like the energy and passion of a European night at Anfield!
2 hours ago
64 mins: GOAL!
Liverpool up the tempo and Salah puts in a lovely cross for Gakpo, who nods home at the back post!
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