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Liverpool hero Xabi Alonso emerged to the kind of reception that you would expect at Anfield, giving a classy touch to the This Is Anfield sign in the tunnel before high-fiving a few fans sat near the entrance to the pitch.

A well-loved figure on Merseyside for his part in winning the biggest trophy in European soccer with the Reds in Istanbul in 2005, Alonso has become one of the leading coaches in the world since taking over at Bayer Leverkusen.

And the Bundesliga champion will present a difficult test for Liverpool, during which his name is likely to be sung in the terraces.

The Main Stand at Anfield has been upgraded since Alonso was playing for Liverpool but he was clearly glad to return.

"It can't get much better than the Champions League at Anfield.

For sure, there is a moment when Anfield hits you that you need a plan, but it is more about the football and our idea.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 4: Headcoach Xabi Alonso of Leverkusen during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 training and press conference at Anfield on November 4, 2024 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

Probably Liverpool at the moment are one of the best, if not the best, teams in Europe.

"They are showing that in the Champions League, they are showing that in a very, very strong Premier League