3 reasons why Atletico Madrid could eliminate Liverpool in the Round of 16 | UEFA Champions League 2019-20

2. Atletico Madrid's defensive strengths

Diego Simeone will want his defenders to be on top

Atletico Madrid lost Diego Godin to Inter Milan in the 2019 summer transfer window, and the team has lost some defensive resiliency from that point on. Despite the loss of individual talent, the Los Rojiblancos still have Diego Simeone and his masterful tactics which gives them a great chance to qualify for the quarter-finals.

The Spanish side has adapted well and defended as a team this season. This was evident in the game against Juventus, where the Italian side had no chance of attacking through the Atletico Madrid midfield. Against a similar 4-4-2 formation, Liverpool will find it hard to break down their defence. The European champions came up against that style of play against Napoli and were unsuccessful in getting the 3 points in the group stage.

Stopping Liverpool by letting them have the possession is easier as compared to defending them on the counter-attacks. Diego Simeone's off-the-ball pressure tactics will ensure that the attacking threat through the English side's full-backs is minimized. Even if the midfielders and the full-backs are neutralized, the Spanish side will have to ensure that the long balls from Liverpool's center backs and midfielders are kept in check if they hope to keep a clean sheet, especially at Anfield.