Atletico Madrid saw Liverpool crawl 2 – 3 all the way in the Champions League clash on Tuesday night. It was a sloppy display with few players turning out to be good performers from Klopp’s side.
The Reds continued their unbeaten run with a convincing victory over Diego Simeone’s men. They now sit on top of the table with 3 wins out of 3 games. Jurgen Klopp would certainly be pleased with the result in the end.
Atletico Madrid v Liverpool: Player Ratings
Goalkeeper and Defenders
Alisson Becker (GK) – 7/10 (Man of the Match)
It was a mixed sort of a start for Alisson Becker after some time away from the team. He indeed made some big saves that were so crucial to Liverpool’s success last night. One of his finest saves was that of Antoine Griezmann which was a one on one, before he scored two.
However, Alisson was brilliant on a number of occasions, keeping Liverpool at the top. Atletico came close to scoring many times but Alisson ensured to keep the ball away.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB) – 5/10
Atletico Madrid tried breaking Liverpool a lot from his side. Hence Trent had a busy day in the office especially in dealing with dangerous Joao Felix. Felix eventually got an assist later on which was converted by Griezmann.
He was booked for attempting a late shot for a free-kick after the whistle was blown. This caused him to slip a bit, however, he contributed with a lofted shot that helped in winning Liverpool a penalty.
Joel Matip (CB) – 6/10
Joel Matip had a decent outing alongside Virgil Van Dijk. He had to stay alert as they were up against two energetic forwards.
Virgil Van Dijk (CB) – 5/10
It was indeed a tough day for Virgil Van Dijk especially after he has made a return. He grew on as the game progressed and managed to defend well. He was tricked on an occasion that saw Antoine Griezmann run pass him to score the second goal.
Andy Robertson (LB) – 6/10
Andy Robertson looked a little shaky on the left flank with poor touches and positioning. He is well-known for his runs and dangerous crosses into the box, but that was not seen much. Atletico barely attacking that side did not keep him on the watch last night.
Midfielders
Jordan Henderson (CDM) – 6/10
Captain Henderson started Fabinho’s role as he struggled through the flooded midfield. He had good connections with Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita but Liverpool’s three-man midfield looked unconvinced.
Naby Keita (CM) – 6/10
Naby Keita with a great start banged in a beautiful volley to extend Liverpool’s lead in the 13th minute. It did not favour Klopp much as Keita was a little dull later and Atletico got the advantage.
James Milner (CM) – 5/10
Vice-captain James Milner looked lethargic and slow. He tried making a few passes only to find no one ahead of him. He was hooked later after being booked.
Forwards
Mohamed Salah (RW) – 8/10
Do not give this man any gaps and that is exactly what Atletico did. He raced past three defenders to open Liverpool’s account on the night. He fired in a penalty in the second half to steal all 3 points for his side.
Sadio Mane (LW) – 6/10
Sadio Mane struggled to enter the box from the left. He was up against the challenge offered by Kieran Trippier which he could not succeed. Eventually Diogo Jota was brought in for him later.
Roberto Firmino (CF) – 6/10
He was barely involved in the first half but had an impact in the second. The ending period saw him dig deeper and keep things in control. Firmino was seen with the chances of scoring, as well as feeding Salah and Mane.
Substitutes
Fabinho (46th min) – 6/10
Fabinho replaced Naby Keita. He could have probably started as he changed the game when he arrived.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (62nd min) – 5/10
Alex came in for Milner. He did look bright and much better going with a smart move.
Diogo Jota (62nd min) – 6/10
Jota replaced Mane and won the penalty before repeating the same at the other end.
Joe Gomez (85th min) – 6//10
Joe Gomez was in for Trent and did a wonderful job by tiding things up.
Neco Williams (90+2nd min) – 5/10
Neco came in for Salah in the last minutes and had a late effort.
