Mark Lawrenson says he has "total respect" for the way Atlético Madrid play football, after a bruising Champions League encounter for Liverpool last night.

The former Reds defender joined The Football Show to discuss both Liverpool's chances of progression after their 1-0 loss and the style of play on show from their hosts at the Wanda Metropolitano.

"I have total respect for [the way Atlético set up,]," said Lawrenson.

"Just to set your team up in that way. Basically, we know that in any football game - particularly the higher the level that you go, you have players that know exactly what is expected of them and operate but also are capable of keeping the ball.

"That is the key thing here: everybody can defend, everybody can get numbers back behind the ball and get their bodies in the way.

"To be able to do that and to spoil exactly what the opposition is trying to do, but also be able to get the ball down and play - that is completely different."

Lawrenson is a fan of Atlético as a club, because of the way they approach signing players.

"Players know that, when they sign for Simeone and perform, they [eventually] get moved on. I think that is how he sells it to them.

"Look at Aguero - how long has it been since Aguero played for Atlético?

"The transfers have all gone on and become better players!"

Liverpool will go into the second leg looking to win the tie and will fancy their chances of doing so under the lights of Anfield.

It is partly the influence of Jurgen Klopp that Lawrenson has faith Liverpool will do the job.

"Every single player that Klopp has had, with the exception of [Loris] Karius who wasn't very good to begin with, he has improved."

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