Liverpool Run Riot at Anfield: Díaz’s Hat-Trick Seals 4-0 Win Over Bayer Leverkusen

Luis Díaz scored a sensational second-half hat-trick to lead Liverpool to a dominant 4-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, maintaining their perfect start to the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League. The win not only extended their flawless group-stage record but also left former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso with a humbling return to Anfield as manager of the Bundesliga champions.

Liverpool’s impressive second-half display, which saw them break open a tight contest, leaves them with a perfect 12 points from their opening four matches in the competition. Leverkusen, who had entered the game unbeaten in Europe this season, were swept aside in a dramatic final 30 minutes as the Reds ran riot in front of a raucous Anfield crowd.

The first half was largely uneventful in terms of goalmouth action, with both teams creating few clear opportunities. Curtis Jones and Edmond Tapsoba both had tame shots that failed to trouble the respective goalkeepers, while a penalty appeal for a Virgil van Dijk challenge on Frimpong was waved away.

Liverpool came out after the break a changed side, and it didn’t take long for them to seize control. In the 61st minute, a brilliant pass from Curtis Jones played in Luis Díaz, who produced a moment of individual brilliance to chip the ball over the advancing Hrádecký and into the net, breaking the deadlock.

Just two minutes later, the Reds doubled their lead. Mohamed Salah delivered a pinpoint cross from the right, and Cody Gakpo was on hand to dive and head the ball into the back of the net. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but after a VAR review, the decision was overturned, and Gakpo’s header stood, much to the delight of the Anfield faithful.

As the game opened up, Leverkusen failed to capitalize on a few half-chances, most notably when Victor Boniface missed a golden opportunity to reduce the deficit with a header from close range. It was a moment the German side would rue, as Díaz would soon put the game beyond their reach.

In the 83rd minute, Díaz struck again, this time finishing off a lovely ball from Salah. Díaz showed composure under pressure, holding off a challenge before slotting home with ease. The Colombian’s third arrived in stoppage time, when he was in the right place at the right time to tap in a rebound from a Darwin Núñez shot that had been blocked by Hrádecký.

The final scoreline could have been even more emphatic had it not been for some excellent goalkeeping by Caoimhin Kelleher, who made several key saves to keep a clean sheet for Liverpool. The young Irish keeper denied Leverkusen’s attempts to get back into the match with quick reflexes, including a series of brilliant saves in the final minutes.

The Reds now sit comfortably at the top of their group with a perfect record, while Leverkusen, despite a solid first-half performance, were left to reflect on their first defeat of the group stage.

Liverpool will now turn their attention back to domestic matters, as they look to maintain their place at the top of the Premier League when they host Aston Villa at Anfield this weekend.