Out with a whimper – Three tactical keys to Liverpool’s UCL exit vs Real Madrid

Liverpool are no stranger to Champions League comebacks. Coming into this match, there was certainly hope that the side could overturn a 3-1 first-leg deficit as they welcomed Real Madrid to Anfield.

This time around, there was a different feel to the match. Without the Anfield crowd to spur them on, Liverpool still managed to create chances and played well through the first 60 minutes, but as the minutes died down without the screaming Anfield faithful, Real Madrid managed to hold their ground and see out a 0-0 draw, progressing to the Champions League semi-finals with a 3-1 aggregate score.

Despite the lack of goals, this match saw plenty of quality opportunities. This tactical analysis will address the quick start Liverpool had, especially by attacking the matchup of Sadio Mané vs Federico Valverde. Well also look at how Liverpool pinned Real Madrid deep in their end, making it difficult for Los Blancos to find their way out of the high press. Ultimately though, this match was determined by Liverpools lack of composure in front of goal. Unable to put one past a patchwork Real Madrid backline, the rally never properly got started, leading to Liverpools quiet exit from the tournament.

Lineups

When Lucas Vázquez picked up a season-ending injury in El Clásico, the starting right-back was a mystery that only Sid Lowe, after gazing into his crystal ball, predicted. Zinedine Zidane tactics included adding Valverde to the backline of Ferland Mendy, Nacho Fernández and Éder Militão. Thibaut Courtois took his place in goal with Casemiro as the pivot, Toni Kroos the regista and Luka Modrić as the right-sided 8/10. In the 4-1-4-1, Marco Asensio and Vinícius Júnior were the two wide midfielder while Karim Benzema was the lone forward.

On the other side of midfield, Jürgen Klopp had the clean-shaven Alisson in goal with Nathaniel Phillips and Ozan Kabak as his centreback, flanked by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson. In midfield, the Reds started the trio of Fabinho, James Milner and Georginio Wijnaldum. Roberto Firmino was back in the starting XI while Mohamed Salah and Mané completed Klopp’s 4-3-3.

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