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Liverpool's manager requested another performance like the team's showing against Real Madrid when the Premier League champions visit Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down one more of the world's best attackers, and securing a third shutout in a row, could strengthen the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in contention for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 games before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of the worst run of Slot’s reign. It was also excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that wants to play out, which doesn't defend in a low block and poses an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield last season. “We are facing a high-flying side like today and a striker, like today, who was on fire. When that happens you have to be precise and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Reasons for Success

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – aligned with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven matches. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. They backed up his earlier points and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.

• The comeback of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch boosted the defense to Liverpool’s defense.
• The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and leadership to a defence.
• The German playmaker enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he usually plays in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the centre. His national team skipper is flourishing this season and has cemented his place as a key figure in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings during matches is remarkable, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is developing each and every game.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by switching to a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day took Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.