As the Champions League round of 16 takes center stage, two of the best teams in Europe met as a place in the last 8 is up for grabs.
Diego Simeone’s men locked horns with Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool side as the Fernando Torres related clubs clash on the pitch. In the end it finished 1-0 in the favour of the Spanish giant as more drama ensues in the return leg at Anfield.
Following the 1-0 win for the La Liga side against defending Champions Liverpool, we evaluate the significant lessons we learnt from the clash at the Wanda Metropolitan Stadium.
Saul Haunts Liverpool
Just like we have always known the Spanish attacker carries the major threat going into this clash. He has undone the Liverpool side giving the Atletico side the lead in the contest.
He was brilliant althrough the match fueling speculations about a move to Manchester United with his brilliant showing against Liverpool. Saul Niguez’s strike ensured his side secured a n arrow 1-0 win over Liverpool as they look forward to the return at Anfield on a positive note.
First leg Advantage For Atletico Madrid
The onus is now on Liverpool to respond with a massive performance at Anfield after losing the first leg away at Madrid. This saw they Spanish side take a first leg lead into the second leg as hostilities will be evident at Anfield.
The Merseyside club will play second fiddle until the situation changes at home as the Spanish side have given themselves reasons for optimism with a 1-0 win in the first leg.
This Diego Simeone and his men should be thankful for as Saul Niguez registered his name on the score sheet much to the benefit of the Atletico Madrid side at home.
Massive Work for Liverpool
Liverpool’s 1-0 loss away to Atletico Madrid may have been a narrow one but they have got their home work to do as Diego Simeone and his Atletico Madrid men return to visit Anfield later on for the return leg.
Saul’s goal present Liverpool with a seemingly overwhelmed task as both European giants square up in the reverse fixture. However it looks the trio of Mane, Salah and Firmino have got a stern test at home while getting past Jan Oblak in goal to save Liverpool’s European campaign in the season.
This is a tough for Klopp to do knowing how difficult Atletico Madrid can be in a home and away situations.
