Bayer Leverkusen is struggling to reach the high standards it set for itself last season. Xabi Alonso’s team has already dropped points in five of its nine Bundesliga games, while Tuesday’s 4-0 loss at Liverpool in the Champions League was already its second defeat of the season.

Xabi Alonso left Liverpool fans after the Spaniard was spotted touching the 'This is Anfield' sign on his way out onto the pitch for Bayer Leverkusen's Champions League tie. The Spaniard spent five seasons at Liverpool between 2004 and 2009 where he established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world.

Follow live reaction to Liverpool's dominant 4-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen as Xabi Alonso's return to Anfield was spoiled

Arne Slot vs. Xabi Alonso had the makings of an epic battle. In the end it was the Liverpool coach who cruised to victory against the man many believed was destined to take over at Anfield this season.

Xabi Alonso played at Anfield for Liverpool for five seasons before leaving but is back as manager with Bayer Leverkusen and has touched the stadium's iconic sign

Luis Diaz scored a hat-trick as Liverpool made light work of German champions Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on a miserable night for the returning Xabi Alonso at Anfield. Diaz's impudent chip was followed by Cody Gakpo's fourth goal in a week as the hosts won the game within the space of three second-half minutes before Diaz added two more late on.