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.

The Dutchman chosen to succeed Jurgen Klopp this summer maintained his perfect Champions League record with his new club, chalking up a fourth consecutive win as a second-half Luis Diaz hat-trick, and another goal from Cody Gakpo, overwhelmed Alonso’s German champions Bayer Leverkusen.

Arne Slot was left surprised by the performance of Luis Diaz in Liverpool's 4-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen. Diaz bagged his first-ever hat-trick in Tuesday's