Liverpool Vs Atletico Madrid: Post-Match Analysis.

Liverpool were frustrated at home by brilliant Atletico Madrid side. Jurgen Klopp forced the match into extra time by cancelling Diego Simeone's first leg win.

Atletico Madrid's manager (Diego Simeone) celebrating a goal against Liverpool at Anfield. Photo:Evening Standard. 

Formations:

Liverpool lined up in their normal 4-3-3 formation with only two changes from the line up that faced Atletico Madrid in the past 3 weeks in Madrid.

Liverpool players celebrating Georginio Wijnaldum's goal. Photo: Evening Standard. 

In possession, Liverpool shifted to back 3 and times 2. So Jurgen Klopp used a 3-2-5 and at times 2-3-5. Trent Alexander-Arnold mostly helped in attacks on the right flank.  

Atletico Madrid on the other hand used their normal 4-4-2 formation with 3 changes fron the first league XI.

This was a more of 4-3-3 formation on the ground as Correa or Saul joined the foward line to make it 3.

Both teams intentions were seen from the first whistle. Liverpool were attacking but Atletico sat deep in their half and waited to hit Liverpool on transitions. 

Tactics Used:

Liverpool's pressing in numbers.

The Reds always pressed Atletico Madrid players in numbers immediately when they lost possession. Atletico Madrid had the most inaccurate passes against The Reds. This was as a result of Liverpool's pressing. 

Midfield superiority. 

Jurgen Klopp's men took total control of the midfield by gaining numbers advantage. This time round, Diego Simeone did not use his intact 4-4-2 as his forwards pressed Liverpool's defensive line. Instead he wwnt for a 4-3-3 formation with only 3 midfielders. 

When Jurgen Klopp realized this, he used Oxlade-Chamberlain  and Jordan Henderson to drop in between the lines and launch an attack from there. 

Wide Overloads. 

During this match, Liverpool tried to stretch Atletico Madrid's defence and they succeeded! With the availability of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool used mostly the right wing where Mo Salah and Trent were e playing. They isolated Renon Lodi in a 2V1 to get the numbers advantage on the right wing.

On the left wing, the same thing happened. Robertson and Mane were making a 2V1 against Kieran Trippier. When Trent helped in the attacks, Robertson would help in the defence and the team shifted to back 3.

Cut-backs (X-box) 

Liverpool used cut-backs to shoot inside the box. Cut-backs are crosses whipped behind the 6 yard box for a player to make a shot on the goal. 

This tactic worked as the targeted player make a late run in the box. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Robertson played them for Chamberlain and Wijnaldum to score but they were not clinical enough. 

Why Liverpool lost (AET).

Liverpool enjoyed dominating the game as they scored two goals. Marcos Llorente consolation goal made Liverpool to switch into an attacking mode.

Diego Simeone used this chance to punish them. He brought in Alvaro Morata who is a good in quick one touch passes and aerial balls too. Morata linked well with Marcos Llorente and they scored two goals to axe Liverpool out of the UCL last 16s.

They were not Clinical enough. 

Jurgen Klopp had clear chances but they were blown by Mo Salah and Sadio Mane. They were not clinical enough to score more goals from the numerous chances they got. Liverpool had 34 shots with only two goals. Congratulations to Jan Oblak's brilliant saves. 

Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid) making a save to deny Liverpool a goalscoring chance. Photo: AS English-Diario. 

Atletico had only 10 shots and scored 3 goals from those few chances they got. Atletico used their chances well to make a stunning come back.

Atletico Madrid Marcos Llorente celebrating with teammate after scoring against Liverpool. Photo: Soccer Highlights. 

Defensive Errors.

Liverpool were always making defensive mistakes and they were very permissive. When Atletico escaped the press, Liverpool's defence was exposed. Also, Atletico capitalised Adrian's mistaken pass to stretch their away goal lead.

Adrian's (Liverpool's goalkeeper) reaction after conceding a goal. Photo: Evening Standard. 

High Defensive line. 

Atletico Madrid failed to punish Liverpool from the begining of the match. Liverpool's defensive line was almost halfway and they didn't bother. Adrian was forced ro make sweeper clearances at times.

Van Dijk feeling dejected after conceeding the third goal. Photo: Daily Star. 

The introduction of Alvaro Morata opened the goal-scoring opportunities as he set Marco Llorente's second goal. Morata scored the third goal in the dying stages of the 2nd half of extra time. 

CONCLUSION:

Atletico Madrid axed out Liverpool who are  the UCL defending champions. Liverpool showed that they are weak in crucial areas. Atletico proved that Liverpool have idea when playing with defensive teams.

After Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspurs, Valencia and Borussia Dortmund, who is the next culprit to exit the UCL? Comment below and ler me know!