In a highly anticipated Champions League clash, Liverpool dominated Bayer Leverkusen 4-0, moving to the top of their group stage. Leverkusen, the reigning Bundesliga and German Cup champions, suffered a rare defeat, their first in the Champions League this season.
Xabi Alonso’s side arrived at Anfield unbeaten in the competition, but Liverpool’s second-half onslaught proved too much to handle. Luis Diaz scored his first hat-trick for the Reds, while Cody Gakpo maintained his impressive form with his fourth goal in three games.
For Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, who spent five seasons at Liverpool as a player, the defeat was a harsh reminder of the intensity of Anfield. Midfielder Granit Xhaka, who has faced Liverpool multiple times with Arsenal, echoed this sentiment in a post-game interview, stating, “You learn from the best.”
German media outlets were quick to react to the loss, with Philipp Selldorf of Süddeutsche Zeitung highlighting the electric atmosphere at Anfield. “The hour to sing Gerry and the Pacemakers’ ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’… the moment that people from around the world travel to experience.” Selldorf noted that Leverkusen’s players were awestruck by the pre-game festivities.
Selldorf continued, “Bayer saw this match as a definitive endurance test… a class above the previous games won against Feyenoord Rotterdam and AC Milan.” However, Liverpool’s professional aggression overwhelmed Leverkusen, exposing the class difference between the two teams.
The German champions struggled to contain Liverpool’s relentless pressure, particularly in the second half. Diaz’s hat-trick and Gakpo’s strike sealed the victory, leaving Leverkusen reeling.
In the post-game analysis, German media praised Liverpool’s clinical performance. Leverkusen’s inability to cope with Anfield’s intensity was cited as a key factor in their defeat.
Xhaka’s comments underscored the respect Leverkusen has for Liverpool. “You learn from the best,” he said, acknowledging the gulf in experience and quality between the two teams.
As Leverkusen looks to regroup and recharge, they’ll need to draw lessons from this humbling experience. Alonso’s side must adapt to the demands of the Champions League, where teams like Liverpool consistently demonstrate exceptional skill and tenacity.
For Liverpool, the victory marked a statement win, solidifying their position atop the group stage. Jurgen Klopp’s men will look to build on this momentum as they navigate the competition.
The Anfield faithful, meanwhile, celebrated another memorable European night, with “You’ll Never Walk Alone” echoing through the stadium once more.