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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. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Neutralizing another of the game’s finest strikers, while securing a third clean sheet consecutively, would reinforce the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in contention for the biggest prizes.

Perfect Remedy for Poor Form

Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. It was also perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that wants to play out, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We are facing a high-flying side 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 solid collectively defensively.”

Reasons for Success

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 games. Additional rest, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons played a part. They backed up his previous arguments and decision to prioritize less 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 boosted the defense to Liverpool’s backline.
• The welcome reappearance at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and authority to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. The Hungary captain is excelling currently and has established himself as a leader in the team.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings on the pitch is incredible, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is developing each and every game.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously 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 summit with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.