Victor Boniface was kept in check for large spells as Liverpool outclassed German champions Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield.
The Super Eagles striker was underwhelming on the night as failed to make meaningful impact in the match.
Boniface came close to scoring in the third minute but his effort from the edge of the box went wide off target.
The first half ended goalless with the home side being the better side with three attempts towards goal.
However, Liverpool started the second half with renewed drive amd the Reds completely took apart Bayer Leverkusen on Xabi Alonso’s return to Anfield.
Luiz Diaz opened the floodgate of goals via a brilliant chip over the goalkeeper after he was played through by Curtis Jones.
Coady Gakpo’s header from Mo Salah’s cross was initially ruled for offisde but the VAR intervened and awarded the Dutchman his goal.
Luiz Diaz got his brace as he buried a low drive into the bottom of the net from a precise Mo Salah’s pass.
Diaz bagged his hattrick on the night from a rebound in the bix to round off a comprehensive win for Liverpool over the visitors.
It was a night to forget in a hurry for Bayer Leverkusen and Victor Boniface who came off for Czech striker Patrik Schick late in the second half.
