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Liverpool player ratings vs Atletico Madrid: Alexander-Arnold off-colour, team-mate gets 3
Liverpool were left frustrated after slipping to a narrow defeat against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.
Liverpool: ‘No one is to blame’ says Klopp after Atletico defeat
Liverpool have it all to do in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid after a frustrating 1-0 defeat at the Wanda Metropolitano. Jurgen Klopp's side enjoyed 72 per cent possession but were unable to break down a resolute opponent and fialed to reigster a single shot on target.
Saul Niguez gave the home side an early lead when he fired home a loose ball after just four minutes.
Liverpool dominated thereafter but failed to to test Jan Oblak and were left with fitness concerns after Sadio Mane was withdrawn at half-time and Jordan Henderson limped off late.
A big performance is now required at Anfield next month if the Reds are to fight back and retain their European crown.
Express Sport have rated how the Liverpool players performed against Atletico Madrid, but do you agree?
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Liverpool player ratings vs Atletico Madrid – Champions League
GK: Alisson – 7
No chance to stop Saul’s early strike but stood up well to deny Alvaro Morata from close range.
Decent distribution.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 4
Awful delivery in the first half.
Got slightly better after the break but wasn’t entirely comfortable defensively.
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CB: Joe Gomez – 7
Made a number of important tackles and looked steadier than his more celebrated centre-back partner.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – 4
Struggled to keep tabs on Angel Correa and gifted Morata with a big chance after mistiming a header.
His skewed clearance led to the goal.
LB: Andrew Robertson – 8
The most composed of the Liverpool back four, and made an excellent clearance to deny Morata.
Provided plenty of width and got forward at every opportunity.
CM: Fabinho – 6
Looked off the pace at times and was caught in possession more than once.
Got better as the game went on.
CM: Jordan Henderson – 6
Demanded the ball throughout as he looked to drag his side back into the match, but was lacking the creative spark required to break down Atletico.
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum – 6
Shuffled the ball around with purpose but, like Henderson, struggled to unlock a compact rearguard.
RAM: Mohamed Salah – 7
Frustrated by the theatrics of the Atletico rearguard and saw his goal-bound effort deflected by Felipe.
Looked the most threatening of the Liverpool front three.
LAM: Sadio Mane – 5
Tried to cause problems with his pace but was booked and substituted at half-time.
ST: Roberto Firmino – 6
Brilliant close control but found space at a premium.
Surprisingly, looked more dangerous after Salah and Mane departed.
SUB: Divock Origi (on for Mane, 45 mins) – 3
Wasted numerous chances with poor control.
SUB: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (on for Salah, 72 mins) – 5
Good energy and covered plenty of ground.
SUB: James Milner (on for Henderson, 80 mins) – 5
Replaced the stricken Henderson as the Reds skipper limped off.