Tactical Analysis: How Liverpool Outclassed Leverkusen in Champions League | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Second Half Surge Crushes Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen

It was on Bonfire Night, with the occasional crackle of fireworks outside, that Liverpool put on a show of their own against Bayer 04 Leverkusen, winning 4-0 on Matchday 4 of the Champions League. As I kept an anxious eye on my petrified Labrador hiding beneath the bed, the Reds delivered a performance that left Xabi Alonso’s side shell-shocked, much like my dog as the fireworks popped. Amidst the chaos, Classic FM on my Alexa provided a serene backdrop, contrasting sharply with the excitement unfolding at Anfield and the noise from outside.

This emphatic result puts Liverpool firmly atop their group, with a more than 90% chance of progression to the next round, and a strong possibility of skipping the nerve-wracking two-legged playoffs.

Photo: IMAGO

Tactical Duel of Young Managers

The clash between these two young, tactically astute managers—Slot for Liverpool and Alonso for Leverkusen—made for a fascinating first half. The tactical battle remained finely poised until Liverpool’s breakthrough goal shattered the equilibrium. It marked the second time in just a few days that Liverpool struck twice in quick succession, underscoring their ruthless efficiency and the electric synergy they share with the Anfield faithful.

Arne Slot’s decision to rest Darwin Núñez, who has had limited minutes, was vindicated by the performance of Luis Díaz, filling in as the centre-forward—a role he’s familiar with from his time with Colombia. Cody Gakpo continued to occupy the left wing, with Curtis Jones preferred over Dominik Szoboszlai. Jones’ presence seems to bring balance to Liverpool’s midfield, giving the side an edge in build-up play.

Liverpool’s Right-Sided Dominance

Liverpool’s attacking patterns were evident from their xT (expected threat) heatmap, which highlighted a clear preference for advancing play down the right flank and through the half-spaces. This focus allowed Mohamed Salah to shine, leading the xT rankings with his contributions in chance creation. The image below illustrates this distribution and Liverpool’s spatial approach:

On the other side, Leverkusen struggled to find their rhythm early on, with Liverpool’s pressing disrupting their build-up play. However, adjustments from Alonso allowed the visitors to bypass the press at times, yet they could not create sustained periods of pressure or clear-cut opportunities, a testament to the layered defensive approach implemented by Slot’s side.

Leverkusen’s Flank Focus

Leverkusen’s offensive approach often targeted Liverpool’s left side, where Kostas Tsimikas had his hands full. Jeremie Frimpong, one of the standout right-backs in European football, posed a threat with his dynamic runs, seeking to isolate Tsimikas. At times, Florian Wirtz drifted into these spaces to support Frimpong, though Liverpool managed to keep the German prodigy largely quiet. The tactical visualisation below shows Leverkusen’s attempts to penetrate Liverpool’s box from the left:

The xT heatmap for Leverkusen also reveals their attempts to exploit this side, but Liverpool’s defensive structure, particularly in these areas, remained solid:

Versatility in Liverpool’s Attacking Play

Liverpool’s passing network into the penalty area highlighted the team’s varied approach to chance creation, utilising vertical and diagonal passes from central areas and the wings. This adaptability is a testament to both the coaching staff’s strategic planning and the skill of the players executing these tactics on the pitch:

The data on progressive passes further underscores this versatility, with Ryan Gravenberch leading the ranks. The Dutchman’s drive from midfield helped Liverpool maintain their attacking thrust, as shown in the chart below:

This fluidity in ball movement and passing lanes ensured that Liverpool consistently kept Leverkusen on the back foot, with Salah and Díaz often finding themselves in threatening positions.

Liverpool’s Defensive Excellence

Liverpool’s defensive solidity was another highlight, keeping one of Europe’s most dynamic attacking sides scoreless. Alonso’s Leverkusen has posed challenges to many teams across the continent since his appointment, but Liverpool’s ability to restrict them to speculative efforts from distance speaks volumes of their organisation and discipline.

The ball recoveries zonemap highlights Liverpool’s active defending, not only closer to their goal but also in more advanced areas, ensuring that Leverkusen struggled to build momentum even when they managed to escape the initial press:

A few key statistics from the game provide further insight into Liverpool’s dominance:

Looking Ahead: Reds on Top

Liverpool’s commanding performance keeps them riding high, both domestically and in Europe. The fireworks might have faded by the time the final whistle blew, but for the Anfield faithful—and maybe even for my poor dog—there’s every reason to keep believing that more celebrations lie ahead. The Reds are in formidable form, and as long as they maintain this level of play, they’ll remain a force to be reckoned with in the Champions League and beyond.

We should savour these moments. Liverpool, with its blend of strategic brilliance and sheer talent, stands among Europe’s elite. Upwards and onwards, the Reds!