Atletico Madrid vs Liverpool: 3 battles to watch out for | Champions League 2019-20

Liverpool face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16 in what should be a tactically intriguing tie. The free-scoring Liverpool against the defensive-minded Atletico will throw up plenty of battles across the pitch that could decide the outcome of the game.

Liverpool may be favourites but they are by no means assured of beating Diego Simeone's side. Atleti may have had a poor season but the motivation of a strong run in the Champions League could spur a strong performance from Los Rojiblancos.

On that note, here are three tactical battles to watch out for in the game.

1) Partey and Koke vs Liverpool's midfield

Koke

If Atletico stand a chance of winning, they will need both Koke and Thomas Partey to be at their best in the midfield.

The game pits two sets of hard-working midfield compositions against each other. Liverpool are likely to dominate possession in both legs and considering that, Koke and Partey will be essential in keeping Atletico's shape in midfield and preventing Liverpool from slicing the defensive lines apart.

Both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson are adept at breaking the lines but Atletico's focus should be on stifling the likes of Georginio Wijnaldum and Naby Keita. By isolating the attacking trio, Simeone's side could go some way towards keeping one of the best attacks in the world quiet.

Similarly, both Koke and Partey will be the first step of the counter-attack as they receive the ball from the defence. They must be on point with their passing and execution as well as be aware of their surroundings.

Both Partey and Koke are press-resistant and could prove to be Atletico's biggest strength in terms of mounting attacks of their own.

2) Alexander-Arnold vs Renan Lodi

Norwich City v Liverpool FC - Premier League

Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the best full-backs in football at the moment. The Englishman brings so much to Liverpool's attack that it is difficult to represent his contribution in terms of just stats.

Atletico's left-back, Renan Lodi, will have the gargantuan task of dealing with both Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah on his flank.

The reason why the battle between Lodi and Alexander-Arnold is particularly interesting is because the latter represents a greater danger than Salah for Atletico's defensive setup. Simeone's side are excellent at staying compact and defending without conceding space centrally. This could be effective in keeping Salah away from the danger areas.

However, by doing so, Atletico open up the possibility of giving Alexander-Arnold time and acres of space to play his dangerous crosses. Therefore, Lodi will be in charge of ensuring that Alexander-Arnold's opportunities to cross are as limited as possible.

3) Roberto Firmino against Atletico's defence

Roberto Firmino

A conventional, all-out-attack approach could prove to be ineffective against Atletico's defence. They are well-drilled and organized, and have stared down pressure time and again.

It takes creative thinking to get the better of Simeone's defensive tactics. And that is where Roberto Firmino could come in handy; he would be the key to unleashing Liverpool's attack against a resilient defence.

Firmino's role as a defensive striker and false-nine is well-known by now. He may not score extensively, but the space he opens up for the likes of Sadio Mane and Salah is one of the main reasons behind their goalscoring exploits.

Firmino will also be vital in pulling the Atletico centre-backs out of position and attracting pressure from the opposition. He will need to move around and occupy pockets of space, making the defenders nervous and thereby unaware of the runs his teammates might make.

By pulling the opposition's centre-backs to himself, Firmino will open up the space for Mane and Salah to make diagonal runs into the box. Atletico are not the best in possession either so Firmino's pressing from the front could force defensive errors.

As simple as his role may sound, Firmino will be Liverpool's most important asset against Atletico.