Sunday , 29 June 2025
Home International Sports Football Diaz scores hat-trick as Liverpool beat Leverkusen
FootballInternational Sports

Diaz scores hat-trick as Liverpool beat Leverkusen

Liverpool's Luis Diaz has scored two or more goals in three separate games this season

Xabi Alonso’s emotional return to Anfield ended in defeat as Luis Diaz scored a hat-trick and Liverpool maintained their flawless Champions League record with victory over Bayer Leverkusen.

Alonso remains a hugely popular figure at Liverpool after winning the Champions League in 2005 and was heavily touted to succeed Jurgen Klopp this summer until he decided to stay in Germany.

Arne Slot was eventually appointed and his outstanding start continued as Liverpool once again recovered from a sluggish first half to overpower Leverkusen, who had controlled them comfortably before the break.

Luis Diaz broke the deadlock after 61 minutes with a deft lofted finish over keeper Lukas Hradecky from Curtis Jones’ pass, Cody Gakpo adding the second two minutes later from Mohamed Salah’s cross – the goal initially ruled out for offside before being given after a Video Assistant Referee review.

Diaz was on target again with a close-range finish seven minutes from time to give the scoreline an emphatic appearance that did not seem likely in the low-key, uneventful first period.

And there was still time for the Colombian to smash home a rebound to take home the matchball.

The win means Liverpool stay at the top of the new Champions League format standings with a maximum 12 points from four games.

Related Articles

Pogba joins Monaco after doping ban, signs two-year deal

Paul Pogba has signed a two-year contract with AS Monaco, marking his...

Norris stuns field with dominant pole in Austria as Verstappen struggles

Lando Norris delivered a brilliant performance to claim pole position for the...

Haaland scores 300th career goal as Man City cruise past Juventus in Club World Cup

Erling Haaland netted the 300th top-level goal of his career as Manchester...

Arsenal set to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga

Arsenal are on the verge of completing the signing of Chelsea goalkeeper...