Liverpool faced off against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano earlier tonight as they looked to continue their winning form in this UEFA Champions League campaign. The Reds made a dream start to the game as they got their noses ahead in the eight-minute courtesy of Mohamed Salah’s deflected goal. Naby Keita doubled Liverpool’s advantage just five minutes later when he found the back of the net with a powerful strike. However, Antoine Griezmann scored a quick-fire brace for the Madrid giants which meant that both sides went into the half-time break with a 2-2 scoreline.
Griezmann received a red card in the 52nd minute which put Atletico at a numerical disadvantage. The Reds capitalized on the situation and found the winning goal via Mohamed Salah’s penalty in the 78th minute. The match ended with Jurgen Klopp’s men coming away with a dramatic 3-2 win from the Spanish capital.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player performed during the match against Club Brugge.
GK: Alisson Becker – 6.5/10
The Brazilian keeper made a few solid saves to restrict the opposition from scoring more than twice during the 90 minutes.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7/10
The English right-back tried his best to keep things solid at the back and created two good chances in the final third.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk – 7/10
Van Dijk made a few crucial interceptions inside his half and won his fair share of aerial duels. However, he won’t be pleased after conceding two goals tonight.
CB: Joel Matip – 7/10
Matip was strong in the air and made some important contributions on the defensive end of the field. He was even tidy with his passing.
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LB: Andrew Robertson – 7/10
The Scottish full-back didn’t have to do too much defending and engineered some clear-cut chances in the final third. He was also responsible for setting up Mohamed Salah’s opening goal.
CM: Naby Keita – 7/10
The Guinean midfielder got exposed when he was defending inside his half. However, he deserves a pat on the back for scoring a great goal from long range in the 13th minute.
CM: James Milner – 6/10
The veteran midfield ace worked his socks off as usual but struggled to get a foothold in the game.
CM: Jordan Henderson – 6.5/10
The Liverpool captain won the ball back a few times for his side but offered very little going forward.
RW: Mohamed Salah – 8/10
The Egyptian winger kept his excellent form going by bagging a brace tonight. He was fortunate to score with his deflected shot early in the game and kept his composure to slot the ball home from the penalty spot which ensured all three points for his team.
ST: Roberto Firmino – 7/10
The Brazilian forward linked up play well with others around him but didn’t get too many sniffs at goal.
LW: Sadio Mane – 6.5/10
He struggled to be decisive in the final third and put in a lackluster display during his time on the field. He got replaced after the hour mark.
Substitutes:
CM: Fabinho – 6/10
He added some bite and steel to Klopp’s midfield.
ST: Diogo Jota – 6/10
The Portuguese striker earned the penalty which Salah converted to win the game for Liverpool. However, he could have easily given away a penalty himself but got lucky with the referee’s call.
CM: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6/10
He added some energy to Liverpool’s midfield
CB: Joe Gomez – N/A
Gomez hardly had any time to make an impact.
RB: Neco Williams – N/A
He came on for the final few minutes of the game.
