Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid player ratings: heroes, villains and man of match from 2-0 Champions League win

Liverpool romped into the last 16 of the Champions League with two matches to spare after a 2-0 defeat of Atletico Madrid at Anfield.

The Reds maintained their perfect record to ensure top spot in Group B having battered the reigning La Liga champions.

Jurgen Klopp’s side took the lead in the 13th minute when Diogo Jota headed home.

Then the home side doubled their advantage through Sadio Mane’s 21st-minute goal.

The win was all-but settled on 36 minutes when Atletico had Filipe was issued a straight red card, giving them no chance of getting back into the game.

Liverpool could afford to take their foot off the gas in the second half with the three points already in the bag.

The heroes

- Trent Alexander-Arnold: is there a better crosser of the ball in the world? Perhaps not. Alexander-Arnold laid Liverpool’s opening two goals on a plate. His first delivery was sublime to tee-up Jota. Then the England international slid across a peach of a ball for Mane. Man of the match.

- Sadio Mane: the Senegal international was rampant throughout the opening 45 minutes. He started off his goal by jinking past a raft of blue shirts before continuing his run into the box and smartly tucking home. Mane was also the man fouled that led to Filipe’s red card. Rightly taken off at half-time while on a booking as Atletico were doing their best to get him sent off.

- Diogo Jota: the forward did well to stoop low and head home Alexander-Arnold’s cross. His high-octane movement never gave Atletico a chance to settle at the back and he should have been set up by Mo Salah on two occasions. Jota was also unlucky with another header that was saved by goalkeeper Jon Oblak.

The villains

- Filipe: the Atletico defender needed to bring down Mane as he broke at pace. But did Filipe need to foul the Liverpool forward with such force? Probably not. A tug on the shirt would have been wiser than a punt at Mane.

- Danny Makkelie: with that being said, it might have been a bit rash from the official. Many would agree a yellow would have been fair. Regardless, referee Makkelie was card happy throughout, dishing out seven bookings in total. His caution of Mane was especially bizarre considering it was the Liverpool winger who was fouled when breaking away. The card given to Joel Matip in stoppage-time was also a tad harsh.

- Luis Suarez: another unhappy return to Anfield for the former Kop favourite. Suarez had little influence on the game before having a goal ruled out for offside. Withdrawn on the hour mark and was given plenty of boos from the fans that once adored him.

Player ratings

Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson 6, Alexander-Arnold 9 (Phillips 90+4), Matip 7, Van Dijk 7, Tsimikas 7, Fabinho 8 (Thiago 59; 5), Henderson 7, Oxlade-Chamberlain 7 (Minamino 78), Mane 8 (Firmino 46-78; 6 | Origi), Salah 7, Jota 8.

Atletico (3-5-2): Oblak 5, Trippier 4, Felipe 3, Gimenez 4, Hermoso 5, De Paul 5, Koke 5, Correa 5, Carrasco 6 (Vrsaljko 69; 5), Felix 4 (Lodi 59; 5), Suárez 4 (Herrera 59; 5).

What’s Liverpool’s next fixture?

The Reds make the trip to in-form West Ham United on Sunday (16.30).

David Moyes’ Hammers are fourth in the Premier League table and have won their past five matches in all competitions.