Liverpool kicked off their pre-season campaign with a thrilling 2-1 victory over La Liga side Real Betis at Anfield. The Reds, who are gearing up for another title charge in the Premier League this season, faced off against a determined Betis side looking to build momentum ahead of their own league campaign. Here’s a tactical analysis and formation breakdown of the match.

Jurgen Klopp’s men started with a 4-3-3 formation, featuring Alisson Becker between the sticks, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson as the fullbacks, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate in central defense, Fabinho alongside Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara in midfield, and Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Diogo Jota up front.

Real Betis, meanwhile, lined up with a 4-2-3-1 formation. They started with Claudio Bravo in goal, followed by a back four comprising of Victor Camarasa, Zouhair Laaribi, Marc Bartra, and Guilherme Arana. The midfield duo consisted of Nabil Fekir and Guido Rodríguez, while the front three featured Joaquín, Emerson Royal, and Borja Iglesias.

The first half saw Liverpool dominate possession but struggle to create clear-cut chances. Real Betis looked more menacing on the counter, with Joaquín causing problems for the Reds’ defense. However, Liverpool’s persistence paid off in the 35th minute when a beautifully worked move culminated in Roberto Firmino scoring the opening goal.

The second half saw Real Betis come out with renewed vigor and equalize through Borja Iglesias. However, Liverpool regained the lead just before halftime courtesy of Mohamed Salah’s clinical finish. The Reds went on to see out the match comfortably, despite a late scare.

Tactical Takeaways:

Liverpool’s 4-3-3 formation allowed them to control the midfield battle and dictate the pace of the game. Fabinho’s presence in the center of the park helped stabilize the team’s shape and provide a conduit for Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara’s creativity.

Real Betis’ 4-2-3-1 formation looked more suitable for their counter-attacking style, but they struggled to contain Liverpool’s midfield trio. The La Liga side’s reliance on long balls down the flanks was neutralized by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson’s defensive prowess.

In conclusion, this pre-season match provided an intriguing glimpse into both teams’ tactical approaches. While Liverpool’s 4-3-3 formation remains their bread and butter, Real Betis’ 4-2-3-1 setup could be an effective way to disrupt the Reds’ rhythm. The two sides will meet again in the Champions League group stages this season, making for a fascinating rematch.