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Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid: Champions League Match Preview, Lineups, and Predictions

Liverpool Hosts Atlético Madrid in Champions League Opener

On Wednesday, Liverpool will kick off their 2026–27 Champions League group stage campaign at Anfield against Atlético Madrid. This marks the sixth meeting between these two sides this decade, and they last faced off here just last season.

The previous clash saw Liverpool score twice inside the first six minutes but had to rely on a late winner from Virgil van Dijk after surrendering their lead. This season, Liverpool’s new manager Andoni Iraola will oversee his first Champions League match as Reds boss, having secured his first win last Friday with a 2–0 victory over Ipswich Town.

Meanwhile, Atlético enter this fixture with some unrest following the Julián Alvarez transfer saga and a heavy 3–0 defeat to Athletic Club on the weekend. Despite this, Diego Simeone’s squad remains a tough opponent in Europe, as shown by their semifinal run last season.

Match Outlook and Key Factors

There’s a chance for an exciting contest given Liverpool’s attacking potential and Atlético’s experience. Bradley Barcola could start for Liverpool, supporting Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo, both of whom have impressed recently. Florian Wirtz might also pose a threat with his creativity.

Atlético have the skills to challenge Liverpool under Anfield’s intense atmosphere and carry offensive weapons capable of breaking down the hosts’ defense. Still, Liverpool’s extra quality might prove decisive in the end.

  • Anfield record: Liverpool have never lost their opening Champions League home game, winning 10 and drawing 2 out of 12 such matches.
  • Goal trends: Liverpool have scored twice in each of their three Premier League games this season; Atlético have scored two or more in three of their four La Liga matches.
  • Head-to-head: Since 2020, Atlético won the first two encounters including a famous 3–2 win at Anfield, but Liverpool have taken the last three.

Prediction: Liverpool 3–2 Atlético Madrid

Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-2-3-1)

  • Goalkeeper: Alisson
  • Defenders: Ronald Araújo, Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Kerkez
  • Midfielders: Szoboszlai, Mac Allister
  • Attacking Midfielders: Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola
  • Forward: Alexander Isak

Barcola looks set for his first start after showing promise off the bench. Isak aims to extend his scoring streak in consecutive games. Ronald Araújo has impressed enough to keep his right-back position. Injuries rule out Wataru Endō, Federico Chiesa, Joe Gomez, Hugo Ekitiké, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni.

Predicted Atlético Madrid Lineup (4-4-2)

  • Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak
  • Defenders: Llorente, Pubill, Cristian Romero, Grimaldo
  • Midfielders: Simeone, Barrios, Hjulmand, Lookman
  • Forwards: Julián Alvarez, Baena

Julián Alvarez could return to the starting eleven following his summer transfer saga. Alexander Sørloth is sidelined with injury, while Arnau Ortiz misses out due to suspension. Jonathan David may make his club debut from the bench.

Match Details

  • Location: Liverpool, England
  • Stadium: Anfield
  • Date: Wednesday, September 9
  • Kickoff: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
  • Referee: Davide Massa (Italy)
  • VAR: Marco Di Bello (Italy)

Broadcast Information

  • United States: Paramount+, TUDN USA, UniMás, TUDN.com, Univision NOW, TUDN App, ViX
  • Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada
  • Mexico: Fox One, Fox+
  • United Kingdom: TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, HBO Max

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