Real Madrid and Manchester City, two of Europe's biggest teams, both lost badly in the Champions League on Tuesday. Erling Haaland missed a penalty, and City wasted a fourth-minute lead as they fell 4-1 at Sporting Lisbon, whose coach will soon take over as manager of their crosstown rival. Defending champion Madrid was also humiliated 3-1 at home by AC Milan.

Although Xabi Alonso's return to his old home was dampened by a 4-0 victory over German champion Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield, it was a much better evening for Liverpool, as Luis Diaz scored a hat trick and Cody Gakpo added another goal.

When the Leverkusen coach returned to the team, he was greeted with open arms. During his five seasons as a player, from 2004 to 2009, he won over many fans. With Liverpool, Alonso won the Champions League in 2005.