England’s Top Flight off to a bad start in UCL Round of 16 – What we learnt

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 18: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool reacts during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool FC at Wanda Metropolitano on February 18, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 18: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool reacts during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool FC at Wanda Metropolitano on February 18, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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Before the game kicked off it was well-known to most, this might not be you typical Liverpool performance and that nobody would blame you if you fell asleep.

The early goal from the host came as early as the fourth minute of the game and was also from a set-piece. Something of a rare occurrence when coming against the Reds. Most notable factor from the game is that Simeone has the secret formula to knocking Klopp out of the cup.

The second meeting for the two and he’s now won both of them. Once in the preseason Audi Cup and then the first leg in the Champions League Round of 16. However, of the two reverse legs, this is the one most likely to be overturned.

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The Reds recorded eight shots at goal with none going on target. While doing this, Atletico was happy to sit back and soak up all the waves of Liverpool attacks. The Reds owned 73% possession of the football.

The Reds were also able to rack together a total of 726 passes, almost triple the amount of what the home side strung together with 276. Put this together plus the fact the Reds play at Anfield? I see it impossible to plug up holes against the champions and stop them from scoring.

The one thing Diego will do to Jurgen is irritate and frustrate him with interrupting play throughout the 90 minutes with fouls and Spanish theatrics. But we know it will be hard to score for the visiting team (even their home goal came through an error in a set-piece).