In a battle of two rising managerial stars, Arne Slot came out on top on Tuesday as Liverpool cruised to a 4-0 victory over Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen, extending his near-perfect start to life as the Reds' manager and putting the rest of Europe on notice.

Xabi Alonso is back at Anfield. Join Rob Smyth for updates from a mouthwatering encounter. GOAL! Liverpool 3-0 Leverkusen (Diaz 83) 21:42 It’s now officially a hammering.   21:41 81 min: Double substitution for Leverkusen Patrick Schick,

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.