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

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.