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Liverpool's manager has called for a repeat of Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid as the title holders travel to Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping one more of the game’s finest strikers, and keeping a third clean sheet in a row, could strengthen Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in contention for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of the worst run of Slot’s reign. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival 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,” stated 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 in form. When that happens you have to be spot-on and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list 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 losses in seven games. More recovery time, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. They backed up his previous arguments and choice 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 enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s backline.
• The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and leadership to a back four.
• The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. The Hungary captain is excelling this season and has established himself as a leader in Slot’s side.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The energy he brings during matches is incredible, the quality that he has is exceptional and he is developing each and every game.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started up front with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by switching to a alternative formation. That win in February took Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 games to play. This weekend 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.