Luis Diaz scores hat-trick as Liverpool spoil Xabi Alonso's Anfield return

Xabi Alonso said his return to Anfield was disappointing after Luis Diaz scored a hat-trick as Liverpool beat Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 on Tuesday to go top of the Champions League table. Kodi Gakpo was also on target as the Reds maintained their 100 per cent record in Europe after four games. Alonso, who was a Champions League winner during his playing days in the Liverpool midfield, rejected Jurgen Klopp's offer to remain at Leverkusen after leading an unbeaten German league and cup double last season.

The Spaniard's name was chanted by the home support in the closing stages.

However, Liverpool are not surprised by what might have been as Arne Slot continued his excellent start to life as manager with a 14th win in 16 games in all competitions.

“One thing is the game and the other thing is the reception,” said Alonso, who played for the Reds between 2004 and 2009.

“I feel bittersweet but I really appreciate it and (I'm) grateful that after so many years I'm here and I still have the same relationship with the club. But it would have been nice to have a better result. “

Leverkusen remain on seven points from their opening four Champions League matches, on what was another grim night for their ambitions of equaling the heights achieved last season.

Alonso's team sit fourth in the Bundesliga, seven points behind leaders Bayern Munich, and failed to master what his coach described pre-match as a “beautiful challenge”.

Slote's decision to move Díaz into a central role proved inspired as the Colombian scored his first hat-trick for the club.

sleepless nights

Just as Saturday's 2-1 win over Brighton took the slot men to the top of the Premier League, it took until the second half for both the Liverpool and Anfield crowds to come alive.

“In the second half we were able to adjust the gameplan, we took more risks and we were better with the ball,” Slott said.

“If you work or play at Liverpool you always feel pressure but we accept it because we want to accomplish everything. You have to accept that if you work or play here you Can enjoy these incredible evenings.”

A complex tactical battle was brought to life by a moment of astonishing quality on the hour mark.

Curtis Jones turned his marker before splitting the Leverkusen defense with a pinpoint pass to Diaz, who carelessly fired past the onrushing Lukas Hradecky.

Two minutes later, Liverpool hit the visitors with another brilliant move.

Mohamed Salah's inspired cross was headed wide at the back post by Gakpo.

The linesman waved his flag to momentarily quell the celebrations, but VAR review showed that the Dutch forward was on course for his sixth goal of the season.

Victor Boniface gave a great chance to get Leverkusen back into the game immediately.

Instead, Liverpool pulled the ball further back seven minutes from time when Diaz controlled Salah's looping cross and fired wide.

The Colombian completed the scoring with another clinical finish for his ninth goal of the season in stoppage time after Darwin Núñez's blocked shot fell into his path.

Liverpool's 12-point comeback means they are almost certainly already assured of a place in the knockout stage, but have to seal direct progression to the last 16 via a top-eight finish in the 36-team league. Are close.

Leverkusen has dropped to 11th, but Alonso is confident of progressing in three of the four remaining home matches.

“We are in a good position to fight to get to the next round,” he said. “It will be hard to sleep today but we also have time to look at the positive things.”