Liverpool continues to dominate in the new-look Champions League, with a commanding 4-0 win against Leverkusen at Anfield. Reds icon Xabi Alonso returns as Leverkusen's coach, making for an emotionally charged atmosphere. Leverkusen's head coach Arne Slot faces one of his most challenging assignments since taking over the team in the summer. Follow the Liverpool ECHO's coverage, including goal updates and reaction, to stay updated on all things LFC.
Liverpool Crushes Leverkusen in Champions League Clash
Liverpool continued their dominance in the revamped Champions League with a commanding 4-0 home victory against Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The match was filled with intrigue as Reds legend Xabi Alonso returned to Anfield as Leverkusen's coach, setting the stage for an emotional reunion.
Liverpool's victory extended their unbeaten streak in the Champions League to 12 matches, further solidifying their status as one of Europe's top clubs. The Reds were relentless in their attack, with goals from Roberto Firmino, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Darwin Nunez, and Cody Gakpo sealing the win.
Meanwhile, Leverkusen's defeat marked a setback in their European campaign. Despite a strong start under manager Arne Slot, the German club was outclassed by a rampant Liverpool side.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Who scored the opening goal for Liverpool? Answer: Roberto Firmino
2. Which Liverpool player assisted on Trent Alexander-Arnold's goal? Answer: Darwin Nunez
3. Who is Leverkusen's new head coach? Answer: Xabi Alonso
4. How many Champions League matches has Liverpool gone unbeaten? Answer: 12
5. When was the last time Liverpool lost a home match in the Champions League? Answer: March 11, 2021, against Real Madrid
Background
The Champions League has undergone significant changes this season, with the introduction of a new format featuring 36 teams in a single league structure. This has created a more competitive and unpredictable tournament.
Liverpool has emerged as one of the early frontrunners in the competition, having won both of their opening fixtures. The Reds are looking to claim their seventh Champions League title, which would make them the most successful English club in the competition's history.
Leverkusen, on the other hand, is aiming to make a deep run in the tournament for the first time since reaching the final in 2002. The German club has a talented squad led by Florian Wirtz, Moussa Diaby, and Jeremie Frimpong.
The clash between Liverpool and Leverkusen was a rematch of their group stage meeting last season, which Liverpool won 2-1 at Anfield. The Reds will be hoping for a similar result when they travel to Leverkusen for the return fixture on October 11.
The India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 has been a controversial topic, with some calling for it to be cancelled following recent events. However, the Indian Supreme Court has given the green signal for the match to proceed, citing the new Sports Bill which allows for multi-team tournaments but restricts bilateral ties. The court also declined to list an urgent PIL seeking cancellation of the match.
India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to kick off their journey in the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 with a clash against each other. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India is seen as one of the leading contenders for the title, with a strong batting unit and a well-rounded bowling attack. On the other hand, UAE, led by Muhammad Waseem, is the underdog in this match, but will aim to put up a tough fight in front of their home crowd. With live streaming and telecast details available, fans are eagerly waiting for the showdown between these two teams.
Ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah proved why he's considered one of the best bowlers in the world as he made a successful T20I comeback against UAE in the Asia Cup 2025. With a searing yorker, Bumrah knocked over opening batter Alishan Sharafu, giving his team an early breakthrough. However, former India captain Ajay Jadeja felt that the star bowler should have been rested for the match against a weaker UAE side. Although there are concerns about his workload, Bumrah continues to shine on the field.
In their opening game of the 2025 Asia Cup, India displayed a dominant performance against the UAE, winning by a staggering margin of 103 runs. Kuldeep Yadav's four-wicket haul and Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy and batting prowess led the team to victory. This marks India's first T20 match since February and the team showed no signs of rustiness, asserting their status as one of the top teams in the format.
In the opening match of the Asia Cup 2025, India shakes up their playing XI as they drop Arshdeep Singh and make Hardik Pandya share the pace bowling duties with Jasprit Bumrah. The reason for Singh's exclusion is unclear, but it could be due to the team's preferred combination. Shubman Gill makes a comeback to the T20I squad, and Sanju Samson retains his spot in the team despite speculation. UAE, on the other hand, will rely on their experienced players to cause an upset.
Afghanistan successfully kicks off their Asia Cup campaign with a comfortable 94-run victory over Hong Kong. Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai's explosive half centuries help Afghanistan reach a total of 188 for six. Hong Kong's chase is derailed by Afghanistan's strong bowling attack, with Fazalhaq Farooqi and Gulbadin Naib taking two wickets each. Despite a valiant effort from Babar Hayat, Hong Kong falls short, struggling against Afghanistan's experienced bowlers.
Young Indian cricket sensation Shubman Gill marked his 26th birthday on Monday. Gill has become a popular figure in the Indian cricket team, recently being appointed as the Test team captain and also serving as the vice-captain in ODIs and T20Is. Wishes poured in from fans and fellow cricketers, with the BCCI, IPL team Gujarat Titans, and Punjab Cricket Association posting messages on social media. Gill's remarkable rise in the cricket world serves as an inspiration to young players everywhere.
The Indian men’s football team achieved their first-ever victory against higher-ranked West Asian rivals, Oman, by emerging victorious in the third-fourth place classification match of the CAFA Nations Cup. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, but India ultimately won 3-2 on penalties, with Gurpreet Singh Sandhu making critical saves and Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rahul Bheke, and Jithin MS scoring for India. This marks a significant milestone for India, who have previously lost six out of nine matches against Oman since 2000.
Despite being ranked lower than most of their competitors and facing criticism for their defensive style of play, India's national football team secured a historic bronze medal at the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup with a thrilling 3-2 penalty shootout win over Oman. Head coach Khalid Jamil's first assignment proved to be a success, with the team showcasing their defensive prowess and their ability to capitalize on chaos in the opposition's half. However, their struggles in the final third were evident, as missed opportunities and gaps in communication led to a goalless first half and a close call for Oman. With this achievement, India solidifies its position as a rising force in international football and gives hope for a brighter future for the sport in the country.
As Shubman Gill turns 26, it's hard not to marvel at the teenage prodigy's meteoric rise in the world of cricket. From being identified as a prodigy by Rahul Dravid to becoming an integral member of the Indian cricket team across formats, Gill has made waves with his elegant batting style. His achievements, including being India's highest run-scorer in the U19 World Cup and his crucial knock of 91 in India's historic Gabba chase, prove that he is a promising talent to watch out for in the future.