Diaz treble dashes Alonso's hopes on return to Anfield
The Guardian|November 06, 2024
The finest compliment to Xabi Alonso, Arne Slot wrote in his programme notes, "is to be the best Liverpool that we can possibly be with no quarter asked and no quarter given."
Andy Hunter
Diaz treble dashes Alonso's hopes on return to Anfield

Liverpool obliged to perfection to give their former favourite a harrowing return to Anfield.

The champions of Germany were dissected in a dominant second-half performance by Liverpool who maintained their 100% record in this season's Champions League courtesy of a Luis Diaz hat-trick and a Cody Gakpo header.

Leverkusen were unbeaten themselves before arriving at Anfield. They left chastened, Liverpool soaring to the top of the table with the confidence of a team that has won a remarkable 14 of the first 16 games under Slot.

It is rare to see a manager acclaimed by both sets of supporters but Alonso made for an understandable exception.

The Leverkusen coach received a rapturous reception from Liverpool fans when conducting a TV interview in front of the Main Stand before kick-off, and another from the travelling contingent when continuing his media rounds in their corner of the stadium.

A penny for Alonso's thoughts when stood alongside Frank Lampard at the pundits' podium?

The pair exchanged several blows during their days in the midfields of Liverpool and Chelsea. One resulted in Alonso suffering a broken ankle early in his Anfield career.

"I don't have time for tourism," the former Liverpool midfielder had said on the eve of the contest, making it clear that the mission here was to defeat his former club.

It will have been a relief to Alonso to park the sentiment and get on with the game, which kicked off following a minute's silence for the victims of the floods in Valencia.

But he wouldn't have been the only person left wanting more by a sterile first half.

This story is from the November 06, 2024 edition of The Guardian.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 06, 2024 edition of The Guardian.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE GUARDIANView All
Rise lays bare the risks ahead for Labour
The Guardian

Rise lays bare the risks ahead for Labour

Any lingering hope that the Bank of England might deliver a pre-Christmas interest rate cut next month evaporated yesterday after official data showed inflation jumped to 2.3% in October.

time-read
1 min  |
November 21, 2024
'My way as a manager was taught by Bobby Robson'
The Guardian

'My way as a manager was taught by Bobby Robson'

George Burley is enjoying Ipswich's revival having reached great heights there more than 20 years ago

time-read
5 mins  |
November 21, 2024
Tuchel takes goalkeeping coach Hilario from Chelsea
The Guardian

Tuchel takes goalkeeping coach Hilario from Chelsea

Thomas Tuchel's backroom staff has been bolstered by the addition of Henrique Hilario, who is ending his 18-year association with Chelsea to become England JS new goalkeeping coach.

time-read
1 min  |
November 21, 2024
Kosovo to take Uefa to Cas after Romania awarded points
The Guardian

Kosovo to take Uefa to Cas after Romania awarded points

Kosovo are preparing an appeal to the court of arbitration for sport (Cas) after Uefa handed them a 3-O defeat for walking off the field during Friday's Nations League tie against Romania in Bucharest, which was eventually abandoned when they elected not to return.

time-read
1 min  |
November 21, 2024
Staying power No relegation break clause in Guardiola's new City contract
The Guardian

Staying power No relegation break clause in Guardiola's new City contract

Pep Guardiola's new one-year contract with Manchester City does not contain a break clause should the club be relegated from the Premier League if found guilty of financial wrongdoing by an independent commission.

time-read
1 min  |
November 21, 2024
Lopetegui's future to be decided in next two games
The Guardian

Lopetegui's future to be decided in next two games

Julen Lopetegui is facing two make-or-break games at West Ham, who have used the international break to explore potential replacements.

time-read
1 min  |
November 21, 2024
City's empire faces a set of challenges that will test Guardiola's genius
The Guardian

City's empire faces a set of challenges that will test Guardiola's genius

After signing deal, manager is left with an ageing squad as threat of Premier League punishment looms large

time-read
3 mins  |
November 21, 2024
The Guardian

Curry changing his technique to avoid more concussions

England are making changes to Tom Curry's all-action technique to ensure his safety after he returned to the fold for Sunday's clash with Japan following his latest concussion.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 21, 2024
Sacking me won't help Wales, insists Gatland in plea for patience
The Guardian

Sacking me won't help Wales, insists Gatland in plea for patience

The last rites, if that is what they are, are going to drag on a while longer yet. Warren Gatland has reiterated that he would resign as head coach if it were \"in the best interests of Welsh rugby\", while also making it Very clear that in his opinion it is not.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 21, 2024
Bronze takes 65 seconds to fire Chelsea into last eight
The Guardian

Bronze takes 65 seconds to fire Chelsea into last eight

Chelsea cruised into the knockout stages of the Champions League with two games to spare at Stamford Bridge.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 21, 2024