For just the third time this season, Liverpool lost a game on Tuesday.
The Reds were defeated 1-0 by Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano thanks to a goal from Saul Niguez, meaning that they are now on the back foot for the return match at Anfield in a few weeks’ time.
It was a difficult night for the Premier League leaders – they were unable to even muster a single shot on target during the 90 minutes.
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Sadio Mane was brought back in to the side, making his first start since the victory at Wolves in the Premier League. However, it was far from the best performance from the £135m-ralued African Player of the Year – as per Transfermarkt – and it was emblematic of the overall display from Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The 27-year-old, who has managed 15 goals and 11 assists in all competitions to date, failed to attempt a single shot, on target or not. Not only that, he was unable to muster up a single key pass, whilst his only cross couldn’t find its target. He did manage to complete two of the three dribbles he attempted, but he prevailed in just two out of the nine ground duels which he contested – not the standard we have come to expect of the former Southampton man.
Incredibly, Klopp chose to take him off at half-time – and it wasn’t through injury. Granted, he was on a yellow card, but that is really no reason to take off one of your best players – it is a risk you take by leaving him on the field of play.
Mane’s showing was a microcosm of the troubles the Merseyside outfit faced on the night. They came up against an Atletico side that, although not prolific in front of goal – they have scored just 25 times in 24 matches in La Liga so far despite being fourth – are fantastic in defence, as the mere 17 strikes shipped in Spain’s top tier indicate.
The Reds conceded after just four minutes – from that point onwards, it was always going to be a struggle, and it was the perfect situation to allow Diego Simeone’s team to implement their game plan.
Mane was not the only one to disappoint – Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Georginio Wijnaldum and Fabinho all picked up SofaScore ratings of under seven on the night. It is the Senegal international’s display, though, that will likely grab the headlines.
Klopp will be praying that he improves drastically as Liverpool try to turn around the deficit in the second leg.
Meanwhile, Melissa Reddy reveals Liverpool have “concerns” over Timo Werner.
