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Arne Slot has called for a repeat of the team's showing versus Real Madrid when the title holders face Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping one more of the world's best attackers, while securing a third clean sheet consecutively, would reinforce Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in the chase for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. It was also excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a low block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.

“There will be some similarities,” 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 solid collectively defensively.”

Reasons for Success

Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – aligned with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven games. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations were cited. This supported his previous arguments and decision 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 defense.
• The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, brought composure and authority to a back four.
• Florian Wirtz 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

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. The Hungary captain is flourishing this season and has cemented his place as a key figure in Slot’s side.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is learning with every outing.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started up front alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Slot caught City cold by switching to a 4-2-2-2. That win in February took Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.