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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 on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Shutting down another of the world's best attackers, while keeping a third clean sheet consecutively, could strengthen the manager's declaration that Liverpool remain in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Perfect Remedy for Recent Woes

The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. It was also perfect preparation for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a low block and poses an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” said 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 in form. When that happens you have to be precise and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven games. Additional rest, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations were cited. This supported his earlier points and decision to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The comeback 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 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 in the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. His national team skipper is flourishing currently and has cemented his place as a key figure in the team.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings during matches is remarkable, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is developing with every outing.”

Looking Ahead

Szoboszlai started in attack with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Slot caught City cold by switching to a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day put Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.