Alisson Becker – 7.0
I hope he enjoyed the show. The disallowed goal was one of his few moments in a quiet game.
Trent Alexander Arnold – 9.5
The best right back in world football continues to show his amazing talent and outrageous delivery. Two assists and a brilliant setting of game tempo in the first half, and control throughout. Canes off in the dying seconds to a standing ovation.
Kostas Tsimikas – 7.5
Assured and reliable. His delivery offers so much to the left hand side, and is now a serious contender to become first choice left back.
Joel Matip – 7.5
Steady and reliable is what was called for, and could have had a goal. Back in place as Van Dijk’s big game partner.
Virgil Van Dijk – 7.5
A game of effortless quality. With Fabinho patrolling in front, we can now see the spine complete, and that enables Virgil to dominate his back line.
Jordan Henderson – 7.5
A very good game, and perhaps a mixture of Fabinho holding and a quiet word from Klopp, saw him excel throughout. His best performance as an 8 in a long while. Stepped into the 6 after Fabinho was subbed.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7.5
Clearly enjoyed playing from the left, and there were moments where the Ox of old looked primed to explode. A very good performance, and one he needs to build upon. 75 mins of encouraging play.
Fabinho – 8.0
Dominant, intelligent and his positioning allows the defence so much relief. In can be no coincidence that the two 8’s on display had very good games with their world class enforcer patrolling the pitch. 60 minutes of control, and hopefully set for West Ham at the weekend.
Sadio Mane – 8.5
Dangerous and angry in his play. Clearly wanted to hurt Madrid, and his goal was fed from hunger. Withdrawn for his own well being, as Atletico would have gotten him that second yellow. His half was brilliant and what Liverpool need from him over the season.
Diogo Jota – 8.5
A real goal threat, and the rotation seems to be keeping all the forwards on their toes. Scored a great header, saw Jan Oblak save from close range, and had a goal disallowed. A true strikers performance.
Mohamed Salah – 8.5
He caused so much panic that those around him are beginning to benefit more and more. Could and should have scored in a good performance, that saw the right hand side revolve around his movement and skill. The worlds greatest player.
Subs;
Thiago Alcantara – 7.0
A wonderful sight to see this man return. So elegant and controlled.
Roberto Firmino – 6.0
Came on for Sadio, came off for Divock.
Takumi Minamino – 6.0
Will be happy with the involvement.
Divock Origi – 6.0
On for Bobby.
Nat Phillips – N/A
Came on to add a few seconds of assurance.
The Manager;
Jürgen Klopp – 9.5
Every decision was correct, and his balance and motivation of the side was perfect. The ideal lead up to West Ham, and response to the Brighton collapse. Seems to have Simeone’s card marked, and takes his side into the knock out stage.
Summary;
Diego Simeone has a real want to beat this side, but that will have to wait. Liverpool cruised and outclassed the Spanish outfit without much bother. A dominant display that was underpinned by the return of Fab & Thiago. As a contest, the match ended with Felipe’s red card, in what could have been another tense affair. Klopp would have been happy to rotate from the bench, and see his side glide through the second half.
