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.

Liverpool meet Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday with Xabi Alonso returning to Anfield with his defending Bundesliga kings. The Spanish tactician enjoyed a five-year spell on Merseyside as a player which included the heroic 2005 UCL triumph.

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. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.