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Liverpool's manager has called for a repeat of the team's showing versus Real Madrid as the title holders travel to Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Shutting down one more of the game’s finest strikers, 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.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, 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 the worst run of his tenure. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that wants to play out, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated 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 spot-on and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”

Reasons for Success

Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – aligned with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven games. Additional rest, not conceding first, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations were cited. This supported his previous arguments and decision to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.

• The return of last season’s midfield core 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 defence.
• The German playmaker enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

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 Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings during matches is incredible, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is learning with every outing.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started up front alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Slot caught City cold by adopting a alternative formation. That win in February took Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.