Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid
UEFA Champions League
Date: Wednesday, 11 March 2020
Kick-off at 20:00 UK/ 21:00 CET
Venue: Anfield.
The tie of the round takes place in England, as Liverpool will be looking to overcome their recent struggles to get past Atletico Madrid. But, can Jurgen Klopp’s side remain on course with their hopes of achieving a second consecutive Champions League crown?
Match Preview
Liverpool were in line to complete a treble when the first leg took place, but their hopes of achieving anything other than a Premier League title success are now in the balance with this tie. A defeat could mean that the latter part of their campaign this season is irrelevant as the title already looks to be secured following Manchester City’s defeat to Manchester United. Champions League success would cap what has been an excellent season for the Reds, but they will need to overturn their defeat from the first leg.
The Reds were disappointing in the first leg as they failed to secure a shot on target in the 1-0 defeat. Atletico’s goal came in the fourth minute and was scored by Saul. Liverpool will have to play much better in this second leg, and they will have to be much better than they were in their recent fixture against Bournemouth. Klopp’s side were wasteful in that fixture, and almost paid the price by drawing with the relegation-threatened side.
However, they were able to hold on for the win, as Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane’s goals were enough to get them the three points. Atletico will also have to play much better at Anfield, as they were held to a 2-2 draw in their last fixture against Sevilla. Alvaro Morata and Joao Felix scored the goal for Atletico in that draw, but they looked defensively weak for the first time this season, and that would be a concern for Diego Simeone.
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid Head-to-head (h2h)
- The first leg ended in a 1-0 win for Atleti, at their home.
- Only once have the English outfit won in the last 12 years, and the victory came ten years back in the Europa League.
- Five of the past seven matches had goals from both teams.
- Since 2008, not once have the Reds kept a clean sheet against this opponent.
Liverpool Team News
Alisson will be missing for the home side, while Jordan Henderson and Andrew Robertson will also be out.
Liverpool Predicted Starting Line up | 4-3-3
- Goalkeeper:Alisson
- Defenders:Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson
- Midfielders:Georginio Wijnaldum, Naby Keita, Fabinho
- Forwards:Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane
Atletico Madrid Team News
Dario Poveda remains out for the season, while Thomas Lemar is unlikely to be risked.
Atletico Madrid Predicted Starting Line up | 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper:Jan Oblak
- Defenders:Kieran Trippier, Felipe, Stefan Savic, Mario Hermoso
- Midfielders:Koke, Thomas Partey, Saul, Angel Correa
- Forwards:Alavaro Morata, Joao Felix
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid Prediction
The sole goal scored by Saul in the 4th minute of the two-legged tie will play a significant role in determining the winner. Right from the get-go, the Reds will be under pressure to find the equalizer. They do have confidence of the comeback they had made against Barcelona the last season.
However, the story is different now. Then Klopp’s men were in much better form, and then they had the element of surprise (as no one expected them to thwart Barca). This time around, they are under-performing, and the whole world (especially Diego Simeone) know what to expect – and they will come prepared.
On top of that, the Madrid outfit are on a six-game unbeaten run at the moment (that included the likes of Sevilla, Valencia, Villarreal etc), and have shown good composure in their past several fixtures. On the other hand, the Reds have not kept a clean sheet in their prior five match-ups, and conceded a total of nine goals from their past five games.
As such, we can count on Diego Simeone’s men to defend as if their lives depended on it, and play it extremely safe. Keeping in mind the disaster Barca walked into last season, Atleti will be really cautious. They will attempt for an away goal, but will not go after risks.
Likely, we can expect a goalless first half. And as time progresses, Klopp’s men will come under more and more pressure, and at some point, their incessant attacks will leave spaces at the back, which will be utilized by Spanish outfit to find the precious away goal. Consequentially, expect the guests to avoid a loss at the least this Wednesday.
