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Liverpool's manager has called for a repeat of the team's showing versus Real Madrid as the Premier League champions face Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down one more of the game’s finest strikers, while securing a third shutout in a row, would reinforce Slot's declaration that Liverpool remain 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 games before their arrival at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of the worst run of Slot’s reign. It was also excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, that will not sit 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 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

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – aligned with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven games. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. This supported his earlier points and choice 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 boosted the defense to Liverpool’s defense.
• The overdue return 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 attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the midfield. The Hungary captain is flourishing this season and has established himself as a leader 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 each and every game.”

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started up front with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a 4-2-2-2. That win in February put Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 games to play. This weekend 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.