Atletico Madrid has edged past Liverpool at Wanda Metropolitano on Tuesday in the first leg of the round-of-16 tie. After many days, Liverpool has faced defeat in any competition. However, the Reds can still overturn the result of this tie in the second leg at Anfield.
The talking points of the match between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool :
1. Saul’s Early Goal:
Saul Niguez has scored the first goal of the match for Atletico Madrid in the fourth minute. It has been an interesting goal for Atletico Madrid. Only four players of the Spanish side have been present in the penalty box at the time of the corner. Saul Niguez’s brilliant prompt reaction has helped Atletico to take the lead in the home match. Atletico Madrid players have also not been trying to get the goal at the very beginning of the match. Rather they have formed a chain of 4 players outside the penalty box to prevent the counter-attack from the corner. The manager of Atletico Madrid, Diego Simeone has been trying to calm down his players after the goal as it is really important to maintain the shape of the team throughout the whole match.
2. No Shots On Target For Liverpool:
After conceding the first goal, Liverpool has been attacking consistently. However, they have failed to register a single shot on target at Wanda Metropolitano on Tuesday. The trio of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah has not worked properly in front of an organized defensive lineup.
3. Sadio Mane Subbed Off At The Half Time Mark:
The star player of Liverpool, Sadio Mane has been subbed off at half time mark. The manager of Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that the player has not been injured. Sadio Mane has been shown a yellow card at the 40th minute of the match. So, the manager has decided to sub him off. There has been a chance to get a second yellow card in the next 45 minutes of the match. The tie is going to be played in two legs and Jurgen Klopp has not wished to miss Sadio Mane at Anfield in the return leg.
4. Organized Defensive Lineup Of Atletico Madrid:
The manager of Atletico Madrid, Diego Simeone has deployed his defensive strategy against the former Champions. The strategy has worked quite well. Liverpool players have not got the numerical advantage in the box while attacking. On the other hand, the physicality of the defenders has been the key to the success of Atletico Madrid in this match. The Reds have not got a single big opportunity to equalise the scoreline. The equaliser has never come in the first 90 minutes of the tie.
5. The Tie Is Far From Over For Liverpool:
It will be difficult for Atletico Madrid to keep the slender lead of 1-0 at Anfield. If Atletico Madrid scores one goal in the early stage of the second leg, Liverpool will have to score three goals to qualify for the next round. So, Atletico Madrid is holding a slight advantage before going into the second leg.
