Liverpool were clinical as they took control of their Champions League group campaign with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
Luis Diaz played a starring role, netting a second-half hat-trick, including a late goal in stoppage time. Cody Gakpo also scored, sealing the win for the Reds.
Liverpool were already leading 2-0 when Diaz bagged his brace, showing brilliant composure with a neat lob over the goalkeeper. His third goal, completed in injury time, was the icing on the cake.
The team’s pressing, passing, and tactical discipline were on full display, ensuring they remain perfect in Europe.
Player Ratings
Caoimhin Kelleher – 8
A quiet first half for Kelleher, but he was called into action late with a superb double save.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7
Good link-up play with Mohamed Salah and defensively solid, although his left-footed passes let him down at times.
Ibrahima Konate – 9
Another flawless performance as he effectively shut down Leverkusen’s attacks, with a crucial clearance when required.
Virgil van Dijk – 8
Excellent distribution and a commanding presence at the back, regularly finding Salah with his accurate passes.
Kostas Tsimikas – 7
Solid defensively, particularly after an early struggle against Florian Wirtz. Handled the wing effectively thereafter.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7
Strong on the ball, though he still needs to improve his positioning in front of the defense. Impressive in duels with Granit Xhaka.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7
Not his best outing, with some timing and passing issues, but he contributed more in the second half with clever through balls.
Curtis Jones – 8
A busy and industrious performance, providing the assist for the opening goal with a fantastic pass.
Mohamed Salah – 8
Showed his skill on the ball but missed a few key chances. Assisted Gakpo’s goal and Diaz’s second.
Cody Gakpo – 7
Pivotal to Liverpool’s build-up play and scored a header to make it 2-0. His improvement continues.
Luis Diaz – 9 – Man of the Match
Diaz’s work rate was exceptional, and his three goals made him the clear standout. His first goal was a composed lob, and his hat-trick was sealed with an awareness that every striker dreams of.
Substitutes
Dominik Szoboszlai (on for Jones, 73′) – 6
Made some runs into the box but didn’t have a major impact on the game.
Conor Bradley (on for Alexander-Arnold, 79′) – 6
A fast and energetic display with a critical tackle late on.
Andy Robertson (on for Tsimikas, 79′) – 7
Solid in his cameo, making a couple of key tackles, including the one for Liverpool’s fourth.
Darwin Nunez (on for Gakpo, 79′) – 5
Missed a big counter-attack opportunity with a poor pass and almost squandered another chance.
Jarell Quansah (on for Konate, 87′) – N/A
Some touches as the game wound down.
Manager: Arne Slot – 10
The Reds are flying, both in the Premier League and Champions League. Slot’s tactical decisions paid off once again, with Diaz’s center-forward role proving to be a masterstroke. The victory consolidates their position at the top and sets them up for a strong finish to the group stages.
Liverpool remain perfect in the Champions League, beating Bayer Leverkusen 4-0. Luis Diaz’s hat-trick and Gakpo’s header secured the three points, while Kelleher’s key saves and solid defensive play helped maintain the clean sheet
