Beat the low block and dominate the flanks: How Liverpool can execute a European comeback

In the build-up to the first leg of this Champions League tie, much of the media focus was centred around Liverpool getting revenge on Real Madrid for their 2018 Champions League final defeat to the Spaniards. Jurgen Klopp & co. were quick to clarify that this was not the case, but now they find themselves chasing the tie after falling to a 3-1 defeat in the first leg.

Both sides come into the second leg in decent league form. Liverpool have won their last 3 Premier League fixtures, while Real haven’t lost a game at all since January 30^th and came out victorious in El Classico in La Liga over the weekend, against Barcelona. This tactical preview will provide an insight into some areas Liverpool may look to exploit to kickstart a comeback, while also looking at how Madrid will look to combat that effectively and manage their lead in the tie.

Team news & predicted lineups:

Poor defending and a lack of creativity cost Liverpool dearly, and they will definitely look to rectify these areas in the second leg. Los Blancos have a few notable players absent  Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, and Raphael Varane are all likely to miss the second leg, along with Eden Hazard and Lucas Vazquez. However, it is possible that Varane makes a comeback if he recovers from Coronavirus in time. Meanwhile, the Reds have no fresh injury concerns other than the ones that existed before the first leg. Curtis Jones missed Liverpool’s weekend win over Aston Villa as a precaution and is 50/50 to return to the side for this second leg tie. Below you will find the predicted lineups for both sides.

We expect no formational changes from either side’s lineup from the first leg, with both clubs likely to deploy a 4-3-3 formation. Diogo Jota gets the nod ahead of Roberto Firmino due to his superior form, with Thiago partnering up with Wijnaldum in the middle – Jordan Henderson is still out injured. The Dutchman’s role may fluctuate between attacking and defending duties to aid with coping with the Madrid wide counterattack. While it is possible for Varane to make a return this week, we feel as though manager Zidane will stick with Militão in a cautious move. Real’s big dilemma lies at right back. With Carvajal and Vazquez out, Odriozola is the only senior right back at the club, but it would appear that Zidane does not have full faith in the player. Due to this, we think Mendy could move to right-back, with the experienced Marcelo coming in at left-back. Meanwhile, Rodyrgo’s quickness and tricky feet may lead to his selection coming at right wing ahead of Marco Asensio.

Reds to attack the flanks

Building attacking via the wide areas is nothing new to Liverpool. In recent years, we’ve seen Klopp put attacking responsibilities on both full-backs, with the winger, often Mane and Sane, causing havoc for the opposition full-backs. Liverpool may look to attack this way to exploit a weakness of Madrid’s. Mendy would likely struggle at right-back, especially if Mo Salah is in the mood. Similar can be said of Marcelo – while he was world-class just a few seasons ago, a lack of game time may prove to be detrimental. Finding success in wide areas could be a game-changer for Liverpool, especially with the form that Jota is in.