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Liverpool host the Bundesliga champions in tonight’s Champions League clash as Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen make the trip to Anfield for this league phase match-up.
Arne Slot’s side have made a perfect start to their European campaign winning all three of their matches so far with victories over AC Milan, Bologna and RB Leipzig. Two of those wins came away from home and Slot will hope the atmosphere inside Anfield will carry his players to a fourth victory in a row against the German side.
Leverkusen have been unable to continue their impressive form from last season but are still a threatening side. They are unbeaten in the Champions League with two wins and a draw and sit fourth in the Bundesliga after nine games. Their last defeat came at the end of August and they are unbeaten in 11 matches since meaning Liverpool will have to work hard to claim all three points tonight.
Follow all the Champions League action with our live blog below:
Liverpool 0-0 Leverkusen
30 mins: Half an hour played and nothing to separate the teams. Liverpool have had their moments but Leverkusen are well drilled and solid in defence.
The core back three haven’t made it easy for the hosts in this half.
Mike Jones5 November 2024 20:31
Liverpool 0-0 Leverkusen
27 mins: There’s a tussle between Mo Salah and Aleix Garcia over on the right wing. Salah looks to bring down an aerial ball and spins around the back of Garcia who drags him down.
Garica goes in the book and Liverpool win a free kick.
Mike Jones5 November 2024 20:27
Liverpool 0-0 Leverkusen
24 mins: Jeremie Frimpong catches a little clip from Van Dijk as he enters the Liverpool box. He takes another couple of steps then falls over hoping for a penalty.
The referee says no as does the VAR.
Leverkusen are upping their threat levels though.
Mike Jones5 November 2024 20:24
Liverpool 0-0 Leverkusen
21 mins: At the other end of the pitch Granit Xhaka takes the first shot for Leverkusen. It’s a rather hopeful one from outside the penalty area which strikes Van Dijk on the head.
The defender manages to ge the ball clear then rubs his face with a grimace of agony.
Mike Jones5 November 2024 20:21
Liverpool 0-0 Leverkusen
18 mins: Arne Slot will be pleased with this start. Virgil van Dijk floats a pass over to Mo Salah. Liverpool throw men over to the right side of the box and the effort comes from Salah setting up Diaz.
Diaz shoots but can’t beat the closest defender.
Mike Jones5 November 2024 20:18
Liverpool 0-0 Leverkusen
A lovely flick down the left wing from Kostas Tsimikas sends Luis Diaz on his way up the pitch. He darts inside and rolls a pass into the box for Mo Salah.
Salah thinks about a shot but sets up Curtis Jones instead. Jones runs onto the ball and drills his effort at goal but watches it land safely in the arms of Lukas Hradecky.
Mike Jones5 November 2024 20:16
Liverpool 0-0 Leverkusen
12 mins: Leverkusen have settled slightly after Liverpool’s strong start. They’re seeing more of the ball and forcing the Reds into deeper areas to defend.
Liverpool are quick on that counter attack though so the visitors need to remain wary.
Mike Jones5 November 2024 20:13
Liverpool 0-0 Leverkusen
9 mins: Leverkusen use their width for the first time in attack with Frimpong getting wide on the right wing. He whips a cross into the middle of the box but Ibrahima Konate is there to nod the ball away.
He stays down after his clearance and seemingly took a painful hit to the face. He’s okay though.
Mike Jones5 November 2024 20:11
Liverpool 0-0 Leverkusen
Another turn over and Liverpool’s front three fly forward. Mo Salah brings the ball then nestles it across to Luis Diaz. He takes it up to the box then releases a pass to Cody Gakpo.
Gakpo shoots with an effort across goal only for the ball to get deflected by Jeremie Frimpong.
Mike Jones5 November 2024 20:08
Liverpool 0-0 Leverkusen
6 mins: Liverpool have been strong over these opening minutes at winning the ball back in the middle of the pitch.
They work it quickly over to Gakpo again and he comes inside this time, dummies out of a first challenge then shoots and hits the next defender who blocks the effort on the edge of the box.
Mike Jones5 November 2024 20:06