Liverpool 4-0 Bayer Leverkusen: Diaz Hat-Trick Seals Thrilling Second Half for Reds as They Dominate at Anfield

Liverpool delivered a resounding performance at Anfield, turning up the intensity in the second half to defeat Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 in Xabi Alonso's much-anticipated return to his former home. Luis Diaz emerged as the hero of the night, netting a brilliant hat-trick that left the German visitors reeling. 

The game began in a cautious rhythm, with both teams probing without creating clear opportunities. Leverkusen briefly thought they had taken the lead when Jeremie Frimpong scored, but VAR ruled it out for a handball in the buildup, keeping the game scoreless at halftime.

However, Liverpool returned from the break as a transformed side, displaying the kind of attacking flair that has become a hallmark of Arne Slot's tenure. Diaz opened the scoring in the 61st minute, sparking a burst of goals that the visitors couldn’t handle. Just minutes later, Cody Gakpo doubled Liverpool’s lead, and from that moment on, there was no looking back.

Diaz secured his second goal in the 83rd minute, with Mohamed Salah providing his second assist of the night to stretch Liverpool's advantage. Yet, Liverpool’s Colombian attacker wasn’t done; in stoppage time, Diaz found the back of the net once more to complete his hat-trick and send the Anfield faithful into raptures.

The match statistics reflected Liverpool's remarkable shift in intensity, with the Reds generating only 0.64 xG in the first half but soaring to 3.48 xG in the second, highlighting their dominance. Slot’s men now sit at the top of their Champions League group, claiming their fourth consecutive win in the competition. The win also ensures Liverpool remains at the top of the Premier League table, setting up an exciting season for the Merseyside club.

Next up, Liverpool will face Aston Villa in domestic action on Saturday, while Alonso’s Leverkusen team will look to bounce back in the Bundesliga against Bochum.