Curtis Jones Delivers Brilliant Assist in Liverpool’s 5-0 Rout of Bayer Leverkusen While Xabi Alonso Faces Humbling Defeat at Anfield

Returning to Anfield, Xabi Alonso faced a painful reminder of how far his Bayer Leverkusen team had fallen from their peak.

It wasn’t just a loss—it was a crushing defeat, one that brought back memories of a time when Alonso himself had been on the receiving end of a brutal challenge in the 2010 World Cup final.

That moment, where Dutch midfielder Nigel de Jong launched a kung-fu kick into Alonso’s chest, felt like a metaphor for this latest setback.

His team, which had been dominant in the Bundesliga, was humiliated by the club that once held such a special place in his heart.

Alonso’s return to Anfield was marked by moments of respect, including a brief touch on the iconic ‘This Is Anfield’ sign and a heartfelt cheer from the Kop at the final whistle.

However, everything that transpired between those moments was a story of Liverpool’s dominance over his team.

Liverpool’s Clinical Performance

The match saw some standout performances, with Luis Diaz shining after being shifted into the No. 9 role.

His second-half hat-trick was the highlight of the match, showcasing his clinical finishing.

Mohamed Salah, always in the spotlight, continued to prove his case not only as Liverpool’s top scorer but also as their best playmaker.

However, perhaps the biggest talking point was the performance of Arne Slot, who once again demonstrated why he was the perfect choice to succeed Jurgen Klopp, rather than the fan-favored Alonso.

Despite all the goals and excitement, it was a subtle moment of brilliance from Curtis Jones that really captured attention.

In a game full of action, Jones made a pass that most in the stadium would have missed.

It was one of those moments that separates world-class midfielders from the rest.

The vision to execute such a pass was something only a player like Alonso would truly appreciate.

Curtis Jones’ Brilliant Assist

Jones’ assist was an absolute gem.

From his position on the pitch, it would have been impossible for most of the crowd to anticipate the pass, let alone attempt it.

But Jones, with perfect precision, picked out Luis Diaz with a cushioned touch that broke open a well-drilled Leverkusen defense.

Diaz took it in stride, making a darting run and finishing with a delicate chip over the goalkeeper.

It was a moment that Alonso, who made the complex look effortless throughout his career, would have been proud of.

For Alonso, who has seen and done it all in football, this was a pass that truly reflected the quality of a world-class midfielder.

Anfield’s Roar and a Winning Streak

As the match unfolded, it was clear that Liverpool were in control.

Jones’ brilliance set the stage for a flurry of goals.

Within minutes, Cody Gakpo doubled Liverpool’s lead after a pinpoint cross from Salah.

The crowd at Anfield was alive, roaring with every goal.

What had initially seemed like a slow, almost charity-match atmosphere, turned into a rout.

By the time Salah assisted Gakpo for another goal in the 63rd minute, and Diaz added another in the 83rd, any remaining hope for Leverkusen had vanished.

Jones’ performance was a catalyst for more attacking play from Liverpool, with Diaz completing his hat-trick in the final stages of the game.

Alonso’s Bittersweet Goodbye

In the end, Alonso’s return to Anfield was a bittersweet affair.

Though his team had their moments—like when Jeremie Frimpong had a goal disallowed and Leverkusen’s goalkeeper, Lukas Hradecky, made several key saves—they were never truly in the match.

The game turned on its head after the hour mark when the Anfield crowd became more vocal, and the match became more of a one-sided affair.

For Alonso, it was a humbling experience.

The match was a reminder of the difference between his days as a player at Liverpool, orchestrating games with ease, and the current reality of trying to manage a side on the receiving end of such a commanding performance.

At full-time, Alonso waved to the crowd, a gesture that felt more like a final goodbye than a moment of celebration.

As for the future, the defeat leaves Alonso with a lot to ponder, while Liverpool’s winning streak continues to gather momentum.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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