Five reasons to believe Liverpool can win the Champions League

Goals, defence and gegenpressing

Posted Thursday, April 11, 2019 by Marca.com

Ten months after their defeat in the Champions League final against Real Madrid, Liverpool are regarded as one of the favourites to win the title this season.

Jurgen Klopp's side took the first step towards qualification to the tournament's semi-finals by beating Porto 2-0 at Anfield.

The Reds have a great chance to do this season what they could not manage to achieve in Kiev.

Here are five reasons to believe they can go all the way.

An attacking trident that has clicked

Last season Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino were Europe's most productive trio up front with 30 goals in the campaign.

This year, the connection between them has reached the next level as they cooperate in terms of defending, pressing high up the pitch and creating lethal moments of play, even in the final minutes of the games.

Klopp's gegenpressing

The intensity and high tempo imposed by Klopp's side at times suffocates their opponents and it's hard to face Liverpool, especially at Anfield.

Porto experienced that feeling first hand in the first part of Tuesday's game, when the Reds prevailed against their rivals.

A wall in defence

The signings of Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk have transformed the team's defence.

The defensive solidity they have brought to the Merseyside team has also benefited full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson, who have provided their teammates with a handful of assists this season.

They look any opponents in the eyes

Against Manchester City and Roma last season and this year against Bayern Munich, Liverpool have not shied away from strong rivals and they can go up against any opponents in Europe.

Depth on the bench

Last summer's signings Alisson, Xherdan Shaqiri, Fabinho and Naby Keita have provided the team with some extra much-needed alternatives.

Klopp has managed to put all the pieces of the puzzle together and Liverpool appear to have found the perfect balance in their squad.