Liverpool’s Champions League chances hinge on Arne Slot fixing major ‘issue’
Liverpool relied on more last-gasp heroics to beat Atletico Madrid in their opening Champions League fixture.
Alexander Isak made his Liverpool debut against Atletico Madrid, but wasn’t directly involved in any goals as Arne Slot’s side ran out 3-2 winners.
Liverpool broke a Champions League record thanks to Mohamed Salah’s early goal and assist, putting the Reds 2-0 up within six minutes.
Ally McCoist was baffled at a decision to award Liverpool a penalty against Atletico Madrid that was eventually overturned, before a Marcos Llorente double had the Spanish capital side back on level terms.
However, Virgil van Dijk stood tall and delivered more late heroics for Liverpool, scoring their fifth late winner in as many games this season.
Liverpool’s struggles defensively highlighted vs Atletico Madrid
The early worries about Liverpool’s title defence came from their leaky defence, conceding four goals in their first two games.
However, across their next two games, Slot’s side shored up at the back, keeping two clean sheets but failing to score until after the 80th minute.
Against Atletico Madrid, that form was flipped on its head, scoring two early goals but shipping two goals themselves.
Liverpool’s defensive woes will be a concern for Slot, whose side look more fragile than during their Premier League title-winning campaign last season.
Mark Schwarzer points to unlikely Liverpool issue
Speaking on the BBC’s Football Daily podcast, the former Fulham goalkeeper spoke about Liverpool’s issues with not finishing off games.
The Australian said: “For Liverpool and when you’re as attacking-minded as they are, you are going to give chances to the opposition and certainly against better opposition.
“Atletico Madrid are hardened warriors – they know what it takes to win games and stay in games, and it was always going to be a tough game for Liverpool.
| Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid | |
| Possession | 56% |
| xG for | 2.72 |
| Big chances | 7 |
| xG against | 0.61 |
| Goals | 3 |
“Whenever you’re 2-0 ahead, they had so many chances and they didn’t finish the game off, that’s part of the issue. And whenever you’re 2-0 ahead, even a comfortable lead while you’re dominating play – if you don’t finish the opposition off, you always leave yourself open to the possibility of conceding one.
“When you concede one, the door gets a bit shakier and a bit of deflection, and you find yourself back on level terms,” Schwarzer finished.
Slot will hope his side can find their shooting boots after Liverpool pumped over £300 million into their attack this summer, as meetings with Everton and Chelsea await before the next international break.