The starting lineup for this match was exactly the same as the previous one. Although Mac Allister should be quite fatigued after playing a full 90 minutes for Argentina and travelling long distances, he still started the match. Slot originally planned to substitute him after 60 minutes, but due to injuries in the first half and to conserve substitutions, he replaced him with Bradley in midfield, with Szoboszlai returning to the middle.
Due to the opponent's targeted deep low defensive strategy, Liverpool maintained high possession but lacked the space for breakthroughs. Their main attacking strategy was to diagonally pass to the opposite small box, but the opponent was well-prepared, and this tactic was not very effective. Another approach was to penetrate the flanks, but the players' understanding was not yet sufficient, and with so many players in the box, it was hard to find space to shoot. Another way to break through the dense defence was through set pieces. Liverpool earned over a dozen corners, but they lacked design, and the quality of the free kicks was not high, resulting in little threat.
With over 80 minutes played, Wirtz's breakthrough earned the opposing defender a yellow card, leading to two yellows turning into one red, putting the opponent down to ten men. Slot substituted Ngumoha and Frimpong for Konaté and Wirtz to play on the left and right flanks, while Gakpo and Salah moved to the middle. After the two new wingers came on, the opponent was unprepared and did not know how to respond, which significantly increased the attacking threat. Ngumoha made a pass to Frimpong in the box, creating the best goal-scoring opportunity, but unfortunately, it was saved by the opponent's goalkeeper. In the dying moments of added time, Frimpong crossed into the box, and an inadvertent handball by a defender resulted in a penalty. Salah kept his composure and scored the goal, sealing the victory once again.
Due to concern over Liverpool's strength, more teams are likely to adopt a defensive counter-attacking strategy, which means Liverpool must quickly improve their tactical execution of set pieces and the accuracy of flank penetration. In the next Champions League home match against Atletico Madrid, Isak is expected to come on as a substitute, which will bring tactical variations and make it harder for the opponents to respond. The starting lineup is expected to have little change; personally, I hope Roberson can replace Kerkez at left-back. If Mac Allister recovers from his injury, he will likely start again, but he probably won't be able to play the full match. Atletico Madrid's counter-attacking is significantly stronger than Burnley's, so the defence needs to be more vigilant, and we hope to secure a draw and strive for victory.