Liverpool welcomed Atletico Madrid at Anfield earlier tonight as they focused on picking up all three points at home. The Reds made a bright start to the game and took the lead in the 13th minute courtesy of Diogo Jota’s header from point-blank range. Sadio Mane doubled Liverpool’s advantage just eight minutes later when he found the back of the net with a controlled finish. Felipe was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Mane in the 36th minute as the Merseyside outfit cruised to a 2-0 lead at the half-time break.
Jurgen Klopp’s men put their foot off the gas in the second half and secured a comfortable 2-0 victory in front of the Kop.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player performed during the clash against Atletico Madrid.
GK: Alisson Becker – 6.5/10
The Brazilian keeper didn’t have a save to make in the game and secured an easy clean sheet at home.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8/10
The English full-back set up both of Liverpool’s goals in the early goings of the match. However, he took his foot off the gas in the second half.
CB: Joel Matip – 7/10
The Cameroonian defender marshaled the Reds backline quite well and did enough to earn another clean sheet at Anfield.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk – 6.5/10
The Dutch powerhouse was solid at the back in the first half. However, he was a bit sloppy late in the game.
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LB: Kostas Tsimikas – 7.5/10
The Greek left-back made some energetic dashes down the left flank and delivered a few dangerous crosses into the opposition penalty box.
CM: Jordan Henderson – 7/10
Henderson controlled the midfield battle effectively with his energy and leadership. He kept the ball moving with ease and grace during the game.
CM: Fabinho – 7/10
The Brazilian midfield ace was always there at the right place to mop up the danger. He got replaced at the hour mark.
CM: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7/10
Oxlade-Chamberlain was always willing to run with the ball and make things happen. He was taken off as a precaution in the 77th minute.
RW: Mohamed Salah – 8/10
The Egyptian winger was a joy to watch when he was dribbling at full swing and getting past the Atletico defenders. However, there was no goal for him tonight.
ST: Diogo Jota – 8/10
The Portuguese striker scored once but should have had a few more with all the chances he got. Still, it was another impressive display from him at Anfield.
LW: Sadio Mane – 7.5/10
The Senegalese winger caused all sorts of problems for the Atletico Madrid defenders in the first half. He scored Liverpool’s second goal with a tidy finish but got booked and was replaced at half-time.
Substitutes:
ST: Roberto Firmino – 6.5/10
He linked up play well with others around him but picked an injury and was replaced in the 77th minute.
CM: Thiago Alcantara – 6/10
The Spaniard kept possession ticking effortlessly but gave away the ball cheaply on one occasion which went unpunished.
CM: Takumi Minamino – 6/10
He had a goal chalked off due to Jota’s high challenge which was deemed as a foul.
LW: Divock Origi – 6.5/10
The Belgian talent added some energy to Klopp’s attack.
CB: Nathaniel Phillips – N/A
Phillips hardly had any time to make an impact.
