Díaz's Hat-Trick Shatters Alonso’s Dreams in Champions League Return to Liverpool In a fitting tribute to Xabi Alonso, Arne Slot expressed in his program notes that the best way to honor him was for Liverpool to perform at their highest level, showing no mercy. Liverpool delivered on that promise, handing their former star a painful return to Anfield. The German champions were thoroughly outplayed in the second half as Liverpool showcased their dominance, maintaining their perfect record in this season's Champions League. Luis Díaz netted a stunning hat-trick, complemented by a header from Cody Gakpo, leading Liverpool to a resounding victory. Bayer Leverkusen, who had come into the match unbeaten, left Anfield humbled, while Liverpool climbed to the top of the table, brimming with confidence after winning an impressive 14 of their first 16 matches under Slot.

Liverpool reclaimed the top spot in the Premier League after a remarkable comeback against Brighton, highlighted by a stunning goal from Mohamed Salah. The first half saw Liverpool struggling, as they were outplayed by a confident Brighton side, who took the lead through Ferdi Kadioglu. However, the second half brought a dramatic turnaround for Liverpool. Cody Gakpo equalized shortly after the break, setting the stage for Salah to deliver a trademark curling shot into the top corner, securing the victory just two minutes later. This goal not only marked a significant moment for Salah, as he surpassed Robbie Fowler to become the eighth leading goalscorer in Premier League history, but it also propelled Liverpool two points clear at the top of the table. With both Manchester City and Arsenal suffering defeats, Liverpool's win puts them in a strong position, leading the champions by two points and sitting seven points ahead of a struggling Arsenal side.