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Arne Slot has called for a repeat of Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid as the title holders travel to Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Shutting down one more of the game’s finest strikers, while securing a third clean sheet in a row, would reinforce Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 matches prior to coming at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of Slot’s reign. It was also excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent 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 mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We are facing a very in-form team like today and a striker, like today, who was on fire. When that happens you have to be spot-on and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Reasons for Success

The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – were consistent with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven matches. More recovery time, not conceding first, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations played a part. This supported his previous arguments and choice to sacrifice 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 enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s backline.
• The overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and authority to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again 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 driving influence in the midfield. His national team skipper is excelling currently and has cemented his place as a key figure in the team.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings during matches is remarkable, the skill that he has is exceptional and he is developing each and every game.”

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a alternative formation. Victory on that February day put Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.