Liverpool are set to host Atletico Madrid in their UEFA Champions League opener at Anfield on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
The Reds are looking to build momentum following a dismal start to the season while Atletico are seeking for consistency after a hot and cold start.
Teams’ Form And Recent Performances
Liverpool
Liverpool began the 2026/27 in a disappointing fashion following successive 2-2 draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest under new head coach Andoni Iraola.
The Reds, however, got their first win of the campaign on Friday night after defeating newly-promoted side, Ipswich Town 2-0 to get their season up and running.
Liverpool will be looking to build on that triumph against a side they have a little bit of history with in their Champions League opener.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico kickstarted their season with a 2-0 win at home against Malaga before playing out a 2-2 draw with Villarreal.
Los Rojiblancos returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory away at Sevilla which was followed by a stunning 3-0 loss to Athletic Club over the weekend.
Diego Simeone’s side will be hoping to put the disappointing defeat behind them as they travel to England for their first Champions League game.
Head-To-Head Statistics
Liverpool have played Atletico Madrid nine times with the Reds claiming four victories to Atleti’s three while two matches have ended in both sides sharing the spoils.
The two teams’ last meeting came in this competition’s opener last season where Liverpool won 3-2. The Reds race through a 2-0 lead in the first 10 minutes courtesy of Andrew Robertson and Mohamed Salah in the fourth and sixth minute respectively.
Atletico came back via Marcos Llorente’s brace before Virgil van Dijk gave Liverpool the win two minutes into the second half additional time.
Key Players Analysis
Liverpool
Cody Gakpo
Gakpo is one of the standout players for Liverpool having had a sub-par performance in the Reds colours last season.
The Dutchman, who excels at cutting inside from the left wing or operating centrally as a ‘false nine’ and also a high-volume crosser has netted a goal and provided three assists this campaign.
Alexander Isak
Following a disappointing debut season after joining for a British record transfer, Isak appears to have found his footing having scored three goals in as many games.
The 26-year-old is a graceful, technically gifted, and versatile striker known for his smooth dribbling, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing.
Atletico Madrid
Alex Baena
Baena has emerged Atletico’s best player this term having returned as a world champion with Spain.
The 26-year-old has three goals and an assist and is known to be a dynamic, creative winger who excels at exploiting half-spaces and delivering high-risk final balls.
Giuliano Simeone
Simeone is another Atleti star Liverpool need to be wary of due to his high-energy and versatility. He is known for his relentless pressing, exceptional defensive work rate and direct runs into the box.
The 23-year-old has featured in all games for Atletico and scored one goal and provided as many assist.
Team News
Liverpool
Liverpool left Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo out of their Champions League squad, while Hugo Ekitike (Achilles), Conor Bradley, and Leoni (both knee) are also sidelined with injury. There is also an uncertainty over Joe Gomez’s availability.
After keeping a clean sheet against Ipswich, Iraola may elect to keep Barcelona loanee Ronald Araujo at right-back alongside Jeremy Jacquet, Van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez in a four-man defence, with Ryan Gravenberch vying to replace Alexis MacAllister in a deep-lying midfield role.
New big-money addition Bradley Barcola, a Champions League winner with PSG, might make his first start for the club on the left with Victor Munoz dropping to the bench.
Gakpo, who is in good form, is expected to switch to the right wing, with Florian Wirtz filling in at No.10 behind Isak, who has only one goal in 13 UCL games.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid are set to be without Alexander Sorloth due to a thigh injury, while Arnau Ortiz is suspended after receiving a red card while playing for Slask Wroclaw in a Conference League qualifier in August 2024.
Simeone faces a difficult decision in attack, as wantaway attacker Julian Alvarez could be considered for a start after appearing as a substitute in the defeat to Athletic Bilbao. The Argentina international is among the squad to have travelled to Merseyside ahead of the clash.
Jonathan David is also a contender to lead the line, while fellow newcomer Cristian Romero hopes to make his full debut at centre-back.
Club veteran, Koke Resurrección is likely to replace either Morten Hjulmand or Pablo Barrios in central midfield. If the Atleti skipper plays at Anfield, he will become the 28th player to reach 150 UEFA club competition appearances.
Possible Starting Line-Ups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1):
Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Gakpo, Wirtz, Barcola; Isak
Atletico Madrid (4-2-3-1):
Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Romero, Grimaldo; Koke, Hjulmand; Simeone, Baena, Lookman; David
By Habeeb Kuranga
