Leeds United defender Diego Llorente has backed Atlético Madrid to beat Liverpool when the two sides meet at Anfield this evening.
The two sides face each other in the second of their Group B encounters after Liverpool’s win at the Wanda Metropolitano last month.
That result left Jurgen Klopp’s side top of the group with nine points and five clear of Atlético and Porto, who both have four points apiece.
It means the pressure is very much on Diego Simeone’s side to get a result in tonight’s meeting and close the gap; otherwise, they will be fighting it out for second place.
Llorente can see another big result at Anfield, though, backing them to win the game when asked about it on Cadena SER.
“If anyone has experience in this (beating Liverpool), it is Atlético Madrid,” he said.
“They also have their weapons, both on a defensive level it is a very complete team, and on an offensive level, it can do a lot of damage to Liverpool.
“In England and any team in Europe that faces Atlético Madrid, at least they respect them.
“Anything can happen, but Atleti, with its trajectory in recent years, has made a name for itself in Europe, and any team is going to have to take the game very, very seriously in order to get a victory.
“Atleti, I have the feeling that they can give it again, I don’t know whether to tell you a surprise, but I think it will be a favourable result for Atlético Madrid. They can achieve victory.”
If Atlético Madrid are to get anything from the game, they will have to find a way to stop Mohamed Salah from dominating the game.
The Egyptian is in the best form of his life this season, with 15 goals and six assists in 13 games to his name so far.
He’s already bagged a double against Atlético at the Wanda Metropolitano, scoring the opening goal and the winning penalty in that 3-2 victory.
Keeping him quiet is no mean feat, and Llorente admits there is no single tip he can give to fellow countryman Mario Hermoso.
“I could not tell you much; there is no key to stop a player, especially individually,” he said when asked for advice.
“The only effective way is to play as a team and with help. Although in some action you can defend him well, the game lasts 90 minutes, and in many, you will need the help of your teammates.
“He is in a spectacular moment; the numbers reflect it; he is a complete footballer at all levels. He is fast, strong; he is skilled with the ball …
“As you focus on a player, they will use other weapons such as the offensive progression of their wings. They are a very complete team and one of the contenders to win the Champions League.”
