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Liverpool's manager requested a repeat of Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid when the title holders face Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down one more of the world's best attackers, and keeping a third clean sheet in a row, could strengthen the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in the chase for the major trophies.

Perfect Remedy for Recent Woes

The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that wants to play out, that will not sit in a defensive block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“It will be similar a little bit,” said 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.”

Reasons for Success

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. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. This supported his earlier points and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The comeback of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch boosted the defense to Liverpool’s defense.
• The overdue return at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, brought composure and authority to a defence.
• The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not from the attacking midfield position 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 this season and has cemented his place as a leader in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings on the pitch is incredible, the skill that he has is exceptional and he is learning with every outing.”

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started in attack with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a 4-2-2-2. That win in February put Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.