An inspiring first-half performance from Liverpool was key to the win over Atletico which assured Jurgen Klopp’s men of the Last-16 spot in the Champions League.
MATCH PROCEEDINGS
The Merseysiders got the match off to a flying start against an Atletico Madrid side that lacked some of their star regulars from the defeat in the previous tie.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s brilliance on the right flank saw the full-back put in teasing delivery into the box which was nodded past Jan Oblak with ease by Diogo Jota to give Liverpool the lead.
Atletico had further distress in store with Arnold once again the provider for Liverpool’s second goal of the game with the England international’s attempted shot on goal tucked in by Sadio Mane.
To make matters worse for the visitors to Anfield, Diego Simeone’s side had central defender Felipe shown the red card after his challenge on Mane just before the half-time break.
Diogo Jota nearly added to his tally after finding the back of Oblak’s net but a VAR check disallowed the effort from the Portugal international.
The visitors had hoped for a respite and got one through former Liverpool man Luis Suarez whose strike took a deflection off Joel Matip to go past Alisson only for VAR to rule it out for offside.
Substitute Hector Herrera tried his luck but his effort went wide as Klopp’s men upped their defensive game in the dying embers to secure a much-coveted win and ensure the top berth in the group.
