Liverpool lost their Champions League second-round tie to Atletico Madrid after a disastrous extra-time period but somewhat perversely, this was actually among their best performances of the campaign. Some wasteful finishing — and poor goalkeeping at the other end — undermined an excellent tactical performance, particularly in the first half.



The surprise name on the teamsheet proved Liverpool’s key man. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain isn’t a guaranteed starter but Jurgen Klopp’s decision to field him to the right of a midfield trio worked excellently.



With the returning Jordan Henderson deployed at the base of midfield rather than in that right-sided role, Oxlade-Chamberlain was given instructions to push out wide and overload Atletico down the flanks. Liverpool spent the first half repeatedly working this zone, which eventually resulted in the opening goal.



Although theoretically playing a right-centre midfield role, for long periods...