🔗 Share this article Following Stifling Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius, Resurgent Liverpool Hone In On Haaland Liverpool's manager has called for an encore of the team's showing versus Real Madrid when the Premier League champions face Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping one more of the world's best attackers, while securing a third shutout consecutively, would reinforce Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in contention for the major trophies. Perfect Remedy for Poor Form Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of his tenure. It was also excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a low block and poses an obvious, rampant threat. “There will be some similarities,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield last season. “We are facing a high-flying side like today and a striker, like today, who was on fire. When that happens you have to be spot-on and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.” Key Factors Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven games. More recovery time, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations were cited. This supported his previous arguments and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace. The return of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch boosted the defense to Liverpool’s backline. The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and authority to a back four. Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League. Dominant Display Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. The Hungary captain is flourishing currently and has cemented his place as a key figure in Slot’s side. “Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is developing each and every game.” Next Challenge Szoboszlai started in attack with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a alternative formation. That win in February put Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 matches to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.