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Liverpool's manager demanded a repeat of Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid when the title holders travel to Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping one more of the game’s finest strikers, and securing a third shutout consecutively, could strengthen the manager's declaration that Liverpool are still in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

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 a difficult spell of his tenure. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and poses an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield last season. “We are facing 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 why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – aligned with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven matches. 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. This supported his earlier points and decision to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.

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

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. His national team skipper is flourishing currently and has cemented his place as a key figure in the team.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” 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 developing each and every game.”

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a alternative formation. Victory on that February day put Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 matches to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.