Xabi Alonso spotted doing something to quieten the Anfield crowd during Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen

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Anfield was once more in fine voice as Liverpool beat Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 in Champions League action.

But it was a particularly special occasion at Anfield, with Liverpool manager Arne Slot going head-to-head with club legend Xabi Alonso.

Alonso reunited with Luis Garcia before kick-off, with the Spanish pair having joined the Reds at the same time.

They both went on to enjoy superb careers on Merseyside, with the former having been keen to continue his fine managerial career with a successful return to the club.

But after a strong start from the German club, the hosts came to life under Slot after an hour, with Luis Diaz opening the scoring in style.

How Xabi Alonso tried to quieten the Anfield crowd vs Liverpool

Cody Gakpo then doubled Liverpool’s lead two minutes later as Diaz added two more late on, with their goals really sparking Anfield into life.

The much-needed second-half spark came after a poor opening 45 minutes from the Reds, with BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty crediting Alonso for keeping the home supporters at bay.

READ MORE: Caoimhin Kelleher says what he thinks was ‘outrageous’ about Xabi Alonso at Liverpool

“Xabi Alonso and members of his Bayer Leverkusen support staff are constantly making the flat palm ‘calm down’ signal to their players – especially at re-starts and when they have time in possession,” he wrote for BBC Sport.

“They want nothing to encourage crowd involvement here and so far it has worked. Anfield is fairly subdued.”

Arne Slot outclasses Xabi Alonso in Champions League clash

Alonso would have been well aware of just how much of a role the Anfield crowd play on European nights under the lights.

The home supporters undoubtedly helped Slot secure all three points against Brighton on Saturday, and they played another key role against Leverkusen.

But Slot and his players do, of course, deserve the majority of the credit, with their patience being rewarded with four goals.

READ MORE: Liverpool’s best European nights at Anfield

The Liverpool fans will celebrate another fantastic win for some time, but Slot will already be turning his focus to the next game.

Up next for the Merseyside club is a tricky test against fellow Champions League side Aston Villa, with Anfield once again hosting the Premier League meeting.