Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has revealed how Liverpool's players were in constant dialogue on the pitch to ensure they didn't fall for the dark arts of Atletico Madrid.
The Reds sealed top spot in their Champions League group with two games to spare after dismissing the Spanish champions 2-0 at Anfield on Wednesday.
Atletico were already two goals behind when they were reduced to 10 men after a poor challenge by Felipe on Sadio Mane.
Diego Simeone's side were then determined to drag Liverpool into a scrap in what appeared an attempt to goad referee Danny Makkelie into showing more cards, with Mane in particular targeted until his half-time substitution.
READ MORE: What happened between Luis Suarez and Jordan Henderson at full-time of Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid
READ MORE: Liverpool fans have last laugh at Diego Simeone as Sadio Mane response noticed
Liverpool, though, refused to be provoked by the visitors and avoided any major flashpoints for the remainder of the game.
"They are really experienced with how to control a game and game management, loads of different little tactics and things that they use," said Oxlade-Chamberlain.
"You have to be mature and aware enough to understand things like that are going on as it's all part of the game, especially in Europe where you find it a lot more.
"On the pitch there was a lot of talking - Hendo and a lot of the boys trying to make sure we weren't getting sucked into those things and getting frustrated with those sort of things.
"You have got to expect those things sometimes, especially when the game is going against them. They needed to break it up and break our rhythm a bit and that's understandable.
"We did what we needed to do in the end, and that's all we can ask for."
Oxlade-Chamberlain, who played 70 minutes from the bench against Brighton at the weekend, made only his fourth start of the season and an encouraging performance prompted a strong ovation from the Anfield crowd on his late substitution.
And the midfielder believes regular outings are the key to continuing to rediscover his best form.
"A player like me who sometimes does risky things like run with the ball and drive with the ball, rhythm helps that," said Oxlade-Chamberlain.
"Rhythm helps all players, but especially for me the way I play. With game time and more games, it all becomes a bit more natural and I don't have to think about these things as much.
"It's getting better, but obviously at the minute we have got a few injuries in midfield. Hopefully soon we will have everyone back and the competition starts.
"As long as I can be absolutely ready and be able to perform well when needed, I need to make sure I am doing that. Games help and I felt better, but definitely can improve even more for sure."
Liverpool's early qualification for the knockout stages means Oxlade-Chamberlain is likely to have a chance of further minutes in the remaining group matches at home to Porto and away at AC Milan.
Despite being handed what appeared a tough task, the Reds have won their first four group games for the first time.
And, speaking to LFC TV, Oxlade-Chamberlain added: "On paper it is a really hard group with a lot of quality but we approached every game exactly how we needed to.
"On our best day we can beat anyone, and especially in a competition like this you have to beat the best.
"It's obviously not sometimes ideal to have so many good teams in your group as it can make it harder, but if you want to do well in this competition you have to beat these teams."
