Atletico Madrid’s gameplan against Liverpool on Wednesday night has been revealed, as they look to knock the Reds out of the Champions League.
Diego Simeone’s men picked up a 1-0 win in the first leg of the last 16 tie, thanks to Saul Niguez’s early strike.
It gives Liverpool a lot of work to do at Anfield in midweek, against a side famed for their defensive brilliance.
According to Marca, however, Simeone is intending to attack the Reds, seeing them as potentially susceptible at the back.
With Jurgen Klopp’s European champions needing to score at least once, Atletico’s thought process seems to be that space at the other end of the pitch could open up.
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I think this will be one of the toughest European assignments Klopp has faced as Liverpool manager, with Atletico famous for their ability to waste time, win free-kicks and generally master the dark arts throughout the contest.
While attacking the La Liga giants is essential, the Reds must make sure they don’t go too gung-ho. They are only losing 1-0, so their performance has to be measured and the defence must remain switched on when Atletico do look to exploit it.
One away goal for the visitors will make the Reds’ task incredibly difficult – Simeone’s men haven’t conceded three times in a game all season.
Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk were both below-par against Atletico last time around and they must be more switched on, ensuring they remain focused on a night when Liverpool could dominate the ball.
Similarly, the out-of-form Fabinho must provide a better shield in front of the defence than he has in recent weeks, assuming he starts. If he lacks legs and allows Atletico’s midfielders to bypass him, that threat of that away goal will be great.
Then there’s Adrian, who hasn’t looked convincing in the absence of the Alisson. Simeone may feel that a shoot-on-sight policy could be a good tactic, testing the goalkeeper on his biggest game yet for the Reds.
I think it will be a tie that ends up being won by small margins, as Klopp looks to avoid a first-ever European knockout round defeat for Liverpool.
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