Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images

A look back at the key moments in Liverpool’s impressive win over Bayer Leverkusen in Champions League action.

Liverpool FC 4 - 0 Bayer Leverkusen

Reds: Diaz 61’ 83’ 90+2, Gakpo 65’

Fightin’ Xabis: N/A

Pre-Match

Slot sends out a strong lineup, though some heads were turned (and/or completely fell off) when the front three of Salah, Diaz, and Gakpo was announced. On the other hand, with Jota continuing to be injured, Nunez will need a rest at some point.

First Half

Liverpool look good early, and nearly get in a few times. Still, both sides seem to be testing the waters, without really opening themselves up for a knockout blow.

As we get to the half hour mark, Liverpool have slowly started ramping up the pressure. A goal doesn’t feel like it’s “coming” necessarily, but we might be getting to that point.

OK, it’s not just me, this is one boring ass match. The most exciting thing to happen is when Frimpong scored after the world’s most obvious handball, and correctly chalked off. Liverpool have managed to create a few good efforts, but everything has been directly at the keeper.

Second Half

The half looked to be going the same listless, boring direction as the first, and then Liverpool score out of nowhere, and double their lead a moment later! The first goal comes from a moment of pure genius: Curtis Jones picked out Diaz’s run with a perfect pass to put him through, and Lucho does the rest with an outrageous chip over the keeper. Then Salah plays a cross for Gakpo to nod home at the back post!

With 15 minutes to go, Jones gets the hook for Szoboszlai. A few minutes later Gakpo, Tsimikas, and Alexander-Arnold come off for Nunez, Robertson, and Bradley.

And another goal for Lucho! Salah puts in a rather speculative cross toward the back post, and the Colombian simply wiggles free from his marker and gets an uncontested shot from close range, which he converts.

Kelleher hasn’t had much to do today, but he keeps the clean sheet with two spectacular saves in quick succession! Slot then makes his final sub, bringing Quansah on for Konate.

It’s a hat trick for Diaz! Nunez, who has looked bright since coming on, powers past a defender and charges into the box before unleashing a shot. The shot is blocked, but right into Lucho’s path, and he slots.

Final Thoughts

A warm welcome back for Xabi Alonso. Liverpool are top of the league. What league? ALL LEAGUES.