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Liverpool's manager demanded a repeat of the team's showing versus Real Madrid as the title holders face Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping one more of the world's best attackers, and securing a third clean sheet consecutively, would reinforce Slot's declaration that Liverpool remain in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Perfect Remedy for Poor Form

The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 wins from 14 matches prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a defensive block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.

“There will be some similarities,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We're up against 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 good as a team defensively.”

Reasons for Success

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – aligned with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven games. More recovery time, 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 previous arguments and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.

• The return of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch boosted the defense to Liverpool’s defense.
• The welcome reappearance at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, brought composure and authority to a back four.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he usually plays in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the midfield. The Hungary captain is flourishing this season and has cemented his place as a leader in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings during matches is remarkable, the quality that he has is exceptional and he is learning with every outing.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started up front with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a alternative formation. That win in February put Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.