Think Football Ideas
Mar 12, 2020
Kieran Trippier says Atletico Madrid knew it was going to be a difficult game against Liverpool and they decided to frustrate the Reds to secure a Champions League last-16 win at Anfield.
Rojiblancos went into the second leg on Merseyside with a 1-0 advantage, but the Spanish side were forced into extra-time after midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum headed home late in the first half.
Roberto Firmino increased the lead for Jurgen Klopp's Reds as they looked set to book a place in the quarter-finals of Europe’s elite competition but Marcos Llorente’s double from outside the box and a calm finish from Alvaro Morata sealed a 3-2 win for Diego Simeone’s determined side.
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The first mistake Liverpool made was what cost them the tie against Atleti.
"We knew it was going to be very difficult, even with the lead. Liverpool are a fantastic side," the former Tottenham right-back Trippier told BT Sport.
"We needed to stay defensively strong, keep our shape and frustrate Liverpool.
"We knew we would get our chance to break the press of Firmino, [Sadio] Mane and [Mohamed] Salah.
"We kept going and we got the win. We knew we'd get our chances and it's just about being clinical in those moments."
Trippier added: "We never give up. The way we play is the way we train.
"You see him (Diego Simeone) on the touchline, he's like that in training."
The England international was pleased with the result after his former side Spurs were beaten by Liverpool in last season's final at Atleti’s Wanda Metropolitano.
"After last season, I knew I needed a change," the 29-year-old said.
"I'm loving my time here, I'm learning new things every single day. I hope I'm here for many years."