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Liverpool's manager has called for another performance like the team's showing against Real Madrid when the title holders face Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Neutralizing one more of the world's best attackers, while keeping a third shutout consecutively, would reinforce the manager's declaration that Liverpool remain in contention for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of his tenure. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a low block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield last season. “We're up against a high-flying side like today and a striker, like today, who was on fire. 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 why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – aligned with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven games. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations played a part. They backed up his previous arguments and choice to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The return of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch boosted the defense to Liverpool’s defense.
• The welcome reappearance at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, brought composure and authority to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not from the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. The Hungary captain is excelling currently and has cemented his place as a leader in the team.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch is incredible, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is learning each and every game.”

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by switching to a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day put 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 defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.