Liverpool’s outstanding form in the 2024/25 season continued with a commanding 4-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League at Anfield on Tuesday night.
Under new head coach Arne Slot, the Reds maintained their perfect record in this season’s competition, showcasing a dominant performance in the second half.
Bayer Leverkusen, the reigning Bundesliga champions, were expected to test Liverpool, but they were ultimately overpowered. Colombian forward Luis Diaz shone brightly, scoring a hat-trick that cemented Liverpool’s control of the game, while Dutch international Cody Gakpo added a crucial goal to further secure the win.
Gakpo’s goal was especially significant, giving Liverpool a two-goal advantage and reinforcing their momentum. Former Liverpool striker and current football analyst Neil Mellor highlighted the pivotal role of referee Danny Makkelie in allowing this goal to unfold. During the build-up, the linesman flagged for offside against Bayer Leverkusen, but Makkelie allowed play to continue as he saw Liverpool developing a promising counter-attack. This astute decision allowed Liverpool to carry the ball upfield, resulting in Gakpo’s impactful goal. Such officiating is often overlooked, yet Makkelie’s call demonstrated the value of allowing play to proceed and deserves praise.
With this win, Liverpool topped their Champions League group, having won all four of their matches in the tournament so far. Slot’s team also leads the Premier League standings, a feat that surpasses expectations for the season, especially after the departure of longtime manager Jurgen Klopp.
Arne Slot’s tenure at Liverpool has begun with unprecedented success; his current record surpasses that of any manager in the club’s history. This season has seen rivals like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Real Madrid facing challenges, placing Liverpool in a strong position to contend for major titles. Though this is Slot’s first year at Anfield, his influence is evident, and the team’s form suggests that they cannot be ruled out as serious contenders for both domestic and European trophies.
Slot’s Liverpool has reinvigorated fans with an exciting style of play and decisive results. The impressive win over Bayer Leverkusen reinforced their standing in European football and has heightened anticipation for what could be a historic season at Anfield.
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