With the UEFA Champions League coming at us thick and fast, there was barely time to breathe before we got into the second round of matches. Liverpool’s first home game of the tournament saw them go up against Danish domestic champions Midtjylland, a team known for their focus on data for all footballing matters at the club. This tactical analysis will look at the tactics both sides used in this game, with Midtjylland having control in the first half, and Liverpool switching their playing style in the second half to score the goals that would end up winning them the match.
Lineups
Liverpool started with their familiar 4-3-3 formation, but the lineup was different to how we are used to seeing it. Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah were all on the bench, with Divock Origi, Takumi Minamino and Xherdan Shaqiri selected in their place. Shaqiri played in the midfield three, with Diogo Jota moving to the forward line to play alongside Origi and Minamino. Netherlands midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum also dropped to the bench, with James Milner starting in his place. Fabinho was again deployed at centre-back, partnering Joe Gomez, as Liverpool’s defensive issues continued.
Midtjylland, meanwhile, started several familiar names, with former Celtic defender Erik Sviatchenko captaining the side, while Denmark winger Pione Sisto and former Brighton and Hove Albion winger Anders Dreyer were also named in the eleven. Guinea striker Sory Kaba led the line, with the Danish side opting to play with a 4-2-3-1 formation.
