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Liverpool's manager requested a repeat of the team's showing versus Real Madrid as the title holders visit Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping one more of the game’s finest strikers, while keeping a third shutout consecutively, could strengthen the manager's declaration that Liverpool are still in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Perfect Remedy for Poor Form

The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 wins from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of the worst run of his tenure. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a low block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We're up against a very in-form team like today and a striker, like today, who was in form. When that happens you have to be precise and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”

Key Factors

The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – were consistent with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven games. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations played a part. They backed up his earlier points and choice to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.

• The return of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s defense.
• The overdue return at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and leadership to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not from the No 10 role he usually plays in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the centre. The Hungary captain is excelling currently and has cemented his place as a leader in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch is incredible, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is learning each and every game.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a 4-2-2-2. That win in February took Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.