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Liverpool's manager has called for another performance like the team's showing versus Real Madrid as the Premier League champions travel to Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Shutting down one more of the world's best attackers, and securing a third clean sheet consecutively, could strengthen Slot's declaration that Liverpool remain in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Perfect Remedy for Recent Woes

The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 games before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. It was also perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a low block and poses an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield last season. “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 spot-on and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Key Factors

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 following disrupted preparations played a part. They backed up his earlier points and choice to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The return of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s backline.
• The overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, brought composure and leadership to a defence.
• The German playmaker enjoyed another good night 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. His national team skipper is excelling currently and has cemented his place as a leader in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the quality that he has is exceptional and he is developing with every outing.”

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started up front alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day put Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.