Five things we learned from Liverpool 0-1 Atletico Madrid
The stage is set for another magical night at Anfield as Liverpool look to overturn a 1-0 deficit in front of their own fans.
Atletico took the lead through Saul Niguez early on and then successfully managed to stymie the Liverpool attack for the rest of the game. The Spaniards let the Reds have the ball and were content with sitting back and defending their lead. (h/t The Guardian)
It was just our third defeat of the season and was the most comprehensive of the lot this season. The Reds have not been shut down this efficiently and will have to rise to the challenge in the second leg at Anfield.
We take a look at the five key takeaways from the game.
Lack of creativity
Liverpool primarily depend on their full-backs to add the attacking impetus with the midfield primarily performing a holding or supporting role.
This strength was turned into a weakness by the astute Diego Simeone. The Argentine tactician was willing to concede the flanks but ensured that the Liverpool midfield was ineffective. Rather than crowd out the full-backs, Simeone chose to dominate the centre of the pitch, allowing extra players to be freed up to close down Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
By crowding out the midfield with two layers of the low block, Atletico always had players ready to close down the Liverpool player with the ball.
The early goal also helped, as the Spaniards then had to just sit and defend their lead. By taking off Thomas Lemar and bringing on Marcos Llorente, Simeone further strengthened his grip on the game. By choking the space on offer to the midfield three, Atletico once again brought to the fore one of Liverpool’s glaring weaknesses. The lack of creativity in the midfield.
The Reds had a lot of possession but neither Henderson nor Wijnaldum looked like creating anything. The lack of imagination was a major drawback as the Reds kept exploring the same avenues of passing while expecting different results.
Poor visitors
Liverpool have never lost a two-legged tie under Jurgen Klopp since the German took over in 2015. As impressive as the record is, it also masks the fact that the Reds have lost seven of their last eleven away games in the UEFA Champions League.
Klopp’s side can still overturn the deficit at Anfield, but the sight of the team being overdependent on home comforts is a worrying sight that could come back to bite us one day. The Merseysiders dominated possession for large tracts of the game but bemoaned a lack of imagination in breaking down a resolute Atletico defence.
The dependable guardian
The last time Alisson Becker came to Madrid, he produced a man of the match performance against Tottenham Hotspur in the 2019 UEFA Champions League final.
It may not have been as effective or predominant as that one but the Brazilian’s save from Alvaro Morata in the first half has kept Liverpool in the tie. A single save could make the difference in a two-legged tie as witnessed by Ousmane Dembele’s miss in last season’s season’s 3-0 loss at Nou Camp.
The Liverpool number one is a consistent performer who steps up when the team needs him. He did so once again here to keep his side in the tie.
Uncharacteristic defending on set-pieces
Liverpool’s defence during set-pieces has been one of the best this season. The Merseysiders have conceded just once from 120 corners leading up to this game. In fact, the Reds have scored more from counter-attacks emanating from the opposition’s corners.
The adage ‘Liverpool are at their most dangerous when the other team has a corner’ was put to test yesterday against Atletico. The Spaniards tore the stats to shreds as they scored from their very first set-piece. Saul Niguez reacted quickly to slot past Alisson to give his side a dream start.
With Atletico going into the second leg with a lead, once can expect them to play in a similar way at Anfield as well. Defensively solid while looking to score via set-pieces.
Liverpool cannot afford to slack off, as even a single mistake can be punished. With an away goal capable of changing the outlook of the tie, the Reds will have to be back to their best.
Welcome to Anfield!
Another big night at home beckons as Liverpool will once again look to their own fans for inspiration. The Wanda Metropolitano was a tide of Red with a large number lining the streets to welcome the Liverpool team.
The atmosphere was impressive, with the home fans getting right behind their players. The baton will be passed onto Anfield with the legendary stadium once again called upon to produce its magic.
Jurgen Klopp too touched upon the topic after the game and was almost sheepish in stating ‘Welcome to Anfield’. The manager certainly believes that his side can finish the job at home and so will the players.
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Klopp has harnessed the power of the stadium during his reign. Now he will aim to do so again as the Reds look to add another accomplished scalp in their effort to defend the crown they won in Madrid.
