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 was given a warm reception at Anfield as his Bayer Leverkusen was beaten 4-0 by Liverpool. Luis Diaz got a second-half hat-trick and Cody Gakpo also scored.

Liverpool's Luis Diaz scored a hat-trick as they maintained their perfect Champions League campaign with a barnstorming second-half display in a 4-0 victory over Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield on Tuesday.

A hat trick from Luis Diaz and a goal from Cody Gakpo saw Liverpool beat German champion Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday and further endear Slot to the Merseyside club's fans, who joyously sang his name at the end.

Alonso was hot favourite for the Liverpool job when Jurgen Klopp announced in January he was leaving, but quickly ruled himself out of the running.

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