Liverpool welcomed former player Xabi Alonso and his Bayer Leverkusen team to Anfield for their Champions League clash on Wednesday. However, Alonso's side struggled as Liverpool delivered a commanding 4-0 victory, showing their strength on home turf.
The first half was slow, with few chances for either team. But, just past the hour mark, Liverpool broke the deadlock with two quick goals. Curtis Jones set up the first with a perfectly timed pass to Luis Diaz, who calmly lifted the ball over the Leverkusen goalkeeper, Lukas Hradecky. Then, Mohamed Salah provided a cross for Cody Gakpo, who headed the ball powerfully into the net to double Liverpool's lead in this Liverpool vs Leverkusen game.
As the match neared its end, Diaz added two more goals to complete his hat-trick to make the score Liverpool 4-0 Leverkusen. With this victory, Liverpool extended their winning streak in the Champions League.So, how did the Reds perform in this Liverpool vs Leverkusen game in the Champions League? Here are the Liverpool player ratings vs Leverkusen in their stunning 4-0 win in the Champions League.
Liverpool player ratings vs Leverkusen - Champions League (4-3-3)
Liverpool starting XI vs Leverkusen
Goalkeeper: Caoimhin Kelleher (7/10)
Kelleher made a few saves late in the game but was otherwise not tested much in this Liverpool vs Leverkusen game.
Right Back: Trent Alexander-Arnold (8/10)
Alexander-Arnold defended well and contributed to the build-up for Liverpool’s first goal.
Centre Back: Ibrahima Konate (7/10)
Konate was solid throughout, making it difficult for Leverkusen to break through.
Centre Back: Virgil van Dijk (7/10)
Van Dijk gave a strong and composed performance, keeping Leverkusen at bay in this Liverpool vs Leverkusen Champions League game.
Left Back: Konstantinos Tsimikas (7/10)
Tsimikas faced a challenge from Frimpong but handled it well after the first half.
Centre Midfielder: Alexis Mac Allister (7/10)
Mac Allister struggled initially but improved in the second half, forcing a good save from Hradecky.
Centre Midfielder: Ryan Gravenberch (8/10)
Gravenberch showed energy, winning the ball and supporting the attack. He created a great chance for Salah in this Liverpool vs Leverkusen game.
Centre Midfielder: Curtis Jones (9/10)
Jones was lively and provided a fantastic pass to Diaz for the opening goal.
Right Winger: Mohamed Salah (9/10)
Salah was a constant threat and assisted both Diaz and Gakpo’s goals in this Liverpool vs Leverkusen Champions League game.
Left Winger: Luis Diaz (9/10)
Diaz stole the show with his quick thinking and skill. He scored three goals and added an assist, leading Liverpool’s attack.
Centre Forward: Cody Gakpo (8/10)
Gakpo missed a big chance in the first half but made up for it with a strong header for Liverpool’s second goal.
Liverpool substitutes vs Leverkkusen
Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10) - Jones 73’
Szoboszlai came on for Jones, helping maintain Liverpool's tempo.
Andy Robertson (7/10) - Tsimikas 73’
Robertson made a key tackle that led to Liverpool’s fourth goal.
Darwin Nunez (6/10) - Gakpo 73’
Nunez brought energy, making some strong runs in the final minutes.
Conor Bradley (NA/10) - Alexander-Arnold 81’
Came on late and helped secure the clean sheet.
Jarrell Quansah (NA/10) - Konate 88’
Made a brief appearance.
Liverpool manager vs Leverkusen
Arne Slot (9/10)
Slot’s tactics were spot on. He put faith in Jones and Diaz, who rewarded him with top performances. Slot’s Liverpool team controlled the match and clinched another Champions League win.
Liverpool player ratings vs Leverkusen (4-3-3): Starting XI - Kelleher (7/10); Alexander-Arnold (8/10), Konate (7/10), Van Dijk (7/10), Tsimikas (7/10); Mac Allister (7/10), Gravenberch (8/10), Jones (9/10); Salah (9/10), Diaz (9/10), Gakpo (8/10). Substitutes - Szoboszlai (6/10), Robertson (7/10), Nunez (6/10), Bradley (NA/10), Quansah (NA/10). Manager - Slot (9/10).
What are your Liverpool player ratings vs Leverkusen in their stunning 4-0 win in the Champions League?