After two months of absence, the Champions League made a comeback on Tuesday evening. Two enticing posters were on the menu. In France, eyes were on Dortmund where Paris Saint-Germain faced the BVB. At the same time, Atlético de Madrid hosted Liverpool at the Wanda Metropolitano. A five-star shock between two great coaches. On the Spanish side, Diego Simeone, who lives a slightly more delicate season, was planning to make a big move at home. For this, the Argentinian technician bet on a 4-4-2 with an attack duo Correa-Morata. Note that the Frenchman Thomas Lemar was aligned at the kick-off. Opposite, Jürgen Klopp, who admitted that he was very suspicious of Madrid, opted for a 4-3-3 with the magic trio Salah-Firmino-Mané in front.
The tone was set at the outset since the meeting started on a frenzied rhythm. There was no round of observation between two formations that went back to back and showed aggression. But from the 4th, Atlético de Madrid surprised the Reds. After a kick kick from Koke, the unfortunate Fabinho deflected the ball on Saul Niguez, who did not miss the opportunity to send the ball to the back of the net with the right foot (1-0, 4th). Having entered the match well, the Colchoneros continued to press and pushed with Correa (7th). Opposite, Liverpool regained its senses and tried to set up its game, seeking in particular to play with a touch of the ball. But the Reds collided with a Madrid block compact and well in place. Attacked by the English, the Spanish stood firm behind and seized the slightest opportunity in front.
The Colchoneros make a nice move
In the 20th, Lodi centered for Morata, too short. Robertson returned the ball and avoided the worst of his. Moments later, Morata, again, was launched into the depths. Out of the center, the Spaniard resisted an opponent’s return and struck. But his shot was diverted by Alisson Becker (25th). In the aftermath, Mohamed Salah, rather muzzled so far, took advantage of a bad clearance to equalize. But the Egyptian was out of the game and his goal was logically refused (26th). Liverpool insisted with Fabinho (29th, shot off target) or Salah (32nd, counter shot). If the tension did not drop and the teams did not let go, the score did not change until the break (1-0). Returning from the locker room, Klopp brought Origi in place of Mané, returned from injury and close to a second yellow card in the first period. For his part, Simeone took out Lemar and launched Llorente to bring more control to the midfield.
As with the start of the game, the Colchoneros remained aggressive like Thomas Partey, which hampered Liverpool both offensively and defensively. Despite this, the Reds pressed and returned to the attack with Salah, whose head went by (53 ‘). But time was passing and Liverpool could not find the solution. The British even exposed themselves to Madrid on a few occasions with Alvaro Morata, who missed (68th), or Renan Lodi, whose powerful strike passed over the cages of Alisson (71st). Henderson replied for the Mersey club with a shot that went just past Oblak’s left post (73rd). A few minutes later, at the 77th, Diego Costa, made his comeback to competition who had been absent since November. This did not change anything when the Reds tried to find the solution, but were not really inspired in the game. Unrecognizable and tense, like their coach Jürgen Klopp who took a yellow card for having challenged a decision, the English bowed in the end 1 to 0. A very nice shot from Atlético who will move to Anfield in the return match. A meeting that promises to be already exciting!
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