Liverpool have fallen to a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against Atletico Madrid, with Diego Simeone's side pulling off a typical defensive masterclass.
The early goal from Saul Niguez gave them the ideal starting point from which to execute their game plan and they never really looked like conceding all night. Despite dominating possession, Liverpool failed to register a shot on target all night.
Atletico have a habit of getting under their opponent's skin when defending a lead and they tried their best to do so here. Their tactics in making the game as disjointed as possible are also second to none, with the Polish referee heling by awarding them some very soft free-kicks.
Simeone was in a typically lively mood on the sideline, with the celebrations after the final whistle indicative of a side who know they have secured a potentially massive result.
Speaking after the game, Andy Robertson admitted the Spanish side are masters of their craft in annoying the opposition, but said they will have to be ready for an onslaught when they arrive at Anfield.
"They celebrated like they won the tie after the game, so let's see."
"They're coming back to Anfield, we know our fans will be there."
Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson know this one isn't over yet 💪
🎙 @DesKellyBTS pic.twitter.com/5tJpyM9DvH— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 18, 2020
I think the throw-in should have went to us before the corner, so obviously the officials made a mistake there. The the corner just ricocheted, it was tight but it was onside, we've given them the best possible start to get the fans up behind them.
Then they can start falling over and things like that, trying to get under our skin a bit. I think we handled it quite well to be honest, them falling over quite easy. We got on with it.
I think we know that we're better than that, we put in a decent performance but we know we can be better...
I think that's what he is. When you're not playing against him it's probably great to watch. He's full of enthusiasm, I think he was like that as a player. We've got no problem with that.
They've celebrated as if they've won the tie after the game, so let's see.
We've got a couple of weeks, we've got Premier League business to take care of. They're coming back to Anfield. We know our fans will be there, we know we will be there, let's see if they are as well.
