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Liverpool's manager requested a repeat of Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid when the Premier League champions face Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping another of the world's best attackers, while securing a third shutout consecutively, would reinforce Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in contention for the major trophies.

Perfect Remedy for Poor Form

The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 matches prior to coming 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, which doesn't defend in a defensive 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're up against a high-flying side 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 as well as Villa last weekend – aligned with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven games. 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. They backed up his previous arguments and decision to sacrifice 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 welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and authority to a back four.
• The German playmaker enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not from the No 10 role he usually plays in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. His national team skipper is excelling this season and has cemented his place as a key figure in Slot’s side.

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

Looking Ahead

Szoboszlai started up front alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by switching to a alternative formation. Victory on that February day took 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 defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.