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.
Pratika Rawal creates history as she scores her maiden ODI hundred, a brilliant 154 off 129 balls, helping India reach a mammoth total of 400 for the first time in women's ODI cricket. The swashbuckling knock, featuring 20 fours and one six, powered India to a comfortable victory against Ireland in the third ODI. Rawal's heroics contribute to India's dominating display and further strengthen their position in the series.
In a dominating performance against Ireland, India's Smriti Mandhana smashed a 70-ball ton - the fastest by an Indian women's batter in ODI cricket. Her explosive knock of 135 runs off 80 balls included 12 boundaries and 7 sixes, propelling India to their highest-ever ODI total of 370/5. This marks Mandhana's 10th ODI century, making her the first Indian woman and third opener overall to have 10 50-over tons in her career. Her exceptional performance in 2024 earned her a nomination for the prestigious ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year award.
After a run of poor results, defending Premier League champions Man City are back on form with three consecutive victories. They will now face Brentford, a team struggling with three recent home defeats. With star striker Erling Haaland seemingly at his best, Man City will look to take advantage of Brentford's dip in form and continue their climb up the EPL table. Don't miss a moment of this highly anticipated match and follow our guide for how to watch it from anywhere.
When Arsenal reportedly completed the surprise signing of long-term Liverpool midfield target Martin Zubimendi, it reignited the bad-blood between the two clubs. However, this is not the first time that the Gunners and the Reds have engaged in a bitter transfer battle. They previously battled over Liverpool star forward Luis Suarez, resulting in an infamous anti-Arsenal clause being inserted into one of the player's contracts.
In a chaotic match, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was seen both erupting in anger at his team's mistakes and embracing his players with fierce intensity. The game was marked by a rollercoaster of emotions for Guardiola, as it was played just hours after news of his split with his wife surfaced. Despite Phil Foden's brace, the team could only manage a draw against Brentford, with Guardiola's frustration boiling over and a wild finish to the game.
Led by the impressive performance of substitute Jota, Liverpool drew a thrilling match against Forest. Meanwhile, Brentford showed resilience by fighting back from being down two goals to earn a draw against Manchester City. On the other hand, Chelsea's James scored a last-minute equaliser, securing a vital point for his team. These exciting results highlight the competitiveness and unpredictability of the Premier League.
After a 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, Liverpool fans are urging their club to make a move for defender Murillo, who put on a top performance against the Reds. Despite falling behind early in the match, a combination from substitutes Kostas Tsimikas and Diogo Jota helped Liverpool secure a point against an unbeaten Forest side. However, it was Murillo's exceptional defensive display, including 18 clearances and four tackles, that caught the attention of Liverpool fans and has sparked calls for his signature.
Liverpool are reportedly in negotiations with Bundesliga 2 side FC Nurnberg for a summer transfer of Greek striker Stefanos Tzimas. Nurnberg currently have an obligation to sign Tzimas permanently for £15m, but are willing to sell him for £20m in the same window. In addition, Liverpool could potentially use Championship loanee Ben Doak as part of a deal to try and sign Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, who has been valued at £50m by the Cherries. However, Tzimas' form has also caught the attention of other Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Brighton, and Aston Villa. Stay updated with the latest news and transfer updates on Liverpool FC through our live blog below.
Manchester City's Phil Foden admits that fatigue was a major factor in their disappointing draw against Brentford, after they were unable to hold on to a 2-0 lead. The team's fitness levels were questioned as they struggled to contain the opposition's attacks, resulting in a late equalizer. Foden also addresses the team's upcoming busy schedule and emphasizes the importance of learning from their mistakes moving forward.
Substitute Diogo Jota's header in the second half helped Liverpool secure a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest, keeping them six points clear at the top of the Premier League standings. High-flying Forest, who have exceeded expectations this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last year, took an early lead through Chris Wood. However, Liverpool managed to come back and earn a hard-fought draw, showing their resilience and determination to maintain their lead at the top of the table.