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Arne Slot demanded an encore of the team's showing against Real Madrid when the title holders visit Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping one more of the game’s finest strikers, and keeping a third clean sheet in a row, would reinforce Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in contention for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 wins from 14 games before their arrival at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of his tenure. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that wants to play out, which doesn't defend in a low block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” said Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We're up against a high-flying side like today and a striker, like today, who was on fire. When that happens you have to be precise and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Reasons for Success

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – aligned with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven games. More recovery time, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons played a part. They backed up his previous arguments and choice to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The comeback of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s defense.
• The overdue return at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, brought composure and leadership to a defence.
• The German playmaker enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. The Hungary captain is flourishing currently and has cemented his place as a leader in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings on the pitch is incredible, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is learning each and every game.”

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started in attack with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Slot caught City cold by adopting a 4-2-2-2. That win in February took Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.