In a UEFA Champions League Round 4 match, Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen were defeated 0-4 by Liverpool at Anfield, suffering their first loss of the season in the competition.
Liverpool 4-0 Bayer Leverkusen
Notably, this was the first time that 42-year-old Xabi Alonso managed a team against his former club, Liverpool.
Alonso spent five years at Liverpool, and his penalty in the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul helped the Reds equalize, eventually leading them to a miraculous comeback to defeat AC Milan and win the title.
One of the Heroes of the Istanbul Miracle
Despite leaving Liverpool years ago, Alonso remains a beloved figure among the club’s fans.
This past summer, when Jürgen Klopp left Liverpool, Alonso was a strong candidate to succeed him, but he ultimately chose to stay at Bayer Leverkusen to continue his coaching development.
A favourite candidate to replace Klopp!
However, fate had other plans, and the Champions League draw this season saw Alonso leading his team to Anfield to face his former club. Before the match, Alonso was warmly applauded by tens of thousands of Liverpool fans as he entered the stadium.
Sharp-eyed fans noticed that as Alonso walked out of the players’ tunnel, he took a moment to touch the Liverpool crest and shared heartfelt embraces with several Liverpool players, clearly showing that the club still holds a special place in his heart.
Alonso touched the Liverpool crest
After the final whistle, despite Leverkusen’s 0-4 thrashing, Alonso maintained his composure and gave a heartfelt salute to the KOP end.
In his post-match interview, Alonso said, “The 0-4 result is painful, and as a manager, losing is always hard. But the warm welcome from the Liverpool fans was incredibly touching. I’m truly grateful for such a reception.”
Liverpool awaits the day Alonso returns
“I’m happy to see Liverpool now balanced in both attack and defense, becoming a very complete team.
Congratulations to Liverpool, and I hope we continue to move forward. I will leave Anfield with the love of the fans and continue on my journey.”
