This Was Chemistry

After conceding two goals in quick succession, Monaco's players stood on the pitch in a daze for a moment.

They looked at one another, their eyes filled with the same confusion.

What were they supposed to do now?

Keep defending according to the pre-match plan?

But as they looked at the figure in the red number 10 shirt, they all knew.

How could anyone possibly defend against a freak like that?

For that last goal, he had dribbled past half the team before poking the ball in with the tip of his foot while off balance.

Tell me, how were they supposed to defend that?

What about attacking?

That was even less realistic.

Liverpool's attack this season was the best in Europe. If Monaco pressed forward, the gaps at the back would be enough for Liverpool's front three to run themselves into cramps.

Manchester City under Guardiola had already provided a cautionary example.

If you wanted to trade attacks with Liverpool, you would only be torn to shreds.

They could not defend, yet they did not dare attack.

Monaco's players sank into this dilemma. Their steps became hesitant, and their passing began to go astray.

But Liverpool, playing at home, would not give them time to think.

Strike while the iron was hot.

Klopp pressed both hands downward on the touchline, signaling for his team to maintain the high press.

Liverpool's formation was like a tightening fishing net.

Starting from the front, it compressed layer by layer into Monaco's half.

Other than Rodri holding position between the center-backs and midfield, Henderson and Milner had both pushed beyond the halfway line, while the two full-backs, Robertson and Clyne, had also advanced past the center line.

Every time Monaco tried to play the ball out, they faced pressure from at least two