| Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid | |
| MATCH | Champions League |
| DATE | 10 - 09 - 2026 |
| TIME | 12.30 AM IST |
| STADIUM | Anfield |
Match Preview
Liverpool head into their Champions League opener looking to build on their first victory of the Andoni Iraola era. After being held to 2-2 draws by Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest in their opening Premier League fixtures, the Reds finally secured three points last Friday with a convincing 2-0 away win over Ipswich Town.
Alexander Isak made the difference at Portman Road, scoring twice inside the opening nine minutes to give Iraola his first competitive victory as Liverpool boss. The result also ended a difficult start for the Spaniard, who was relieved to see his side finally convert their chances and collect maximum points.
Iraola will now experience Champions League football for the first time as a manager, with Liverpool aiming to go further than last season's quarter-final exit. The six-time European champions have been waiting since 2019 for another Champions League triumph and will be determined to make a strong start to their latest campaign.
Liverpool have continued to find the net consistently, scoring in each of their last nine competitive matches across all competitions. They have scored at least twice in six of those games, highlighting the attacking threat they possess.
The Reds have also performed strongly during the Champions League League Phase in recent seasons. They finished top of the 36-team table in 2024-25 before ending last season in third place, recording six victories from their eight matches. Their record against Spanish opposition has been particularly impressive, with Liverpool winning their last six League Phase encounters against teams from Spain.
Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, arrive at Anfield after suffering their first defeat of the new La Liga campaign. Diego Simeone's side had collected seven points from their opening three league matches before being beaten 3-0 away by Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.
The defeat exposed some defensive weaknesses, particularly after the interval. Atletico have now conceded six second-half goals across their last three matches, something Simeone will be eager to address before facing Liverpool.
Despite that setback, Atletico remain a formidable Champions League opponent. Simeone is the longest-serving manager among the clubs competing in this season's competition, having been in charge since December 2011. The Argentine will be hoping to finally guide the Spanish club to their first Champions League title after previous near misses, including last season's semi-final appearance.
Atletico have struggled against English opposition in the Champions League League Phase, however, having failed to win any of their previous 10 such meetings. They have recorded four draws and six defeats.
Liverpool will also be aware that Atletico are usually capable of finding the net in Europe. They have scored in 22 of their last 24 Champions League group-stage or League Phase matches. Their previous visits to Anfield have produced mixed results, with the Spanish side winning once, drawing once and losing three times in their last five trips.
Recent Form
Liverpool: D – D – W
Atletico Madrid: W – D – W – L
Team News
Liverpool will be without Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo, who have not been included in the club's Champions League squad. Hugo Ekitike is also sidelined with an Achilles problem, while Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are recovering from knee injuries. Joe Gomez remains a doubt because of a muscle issue.
Following the clean-sheet victory over Ipswich, Iraola could keep Ronald Araujo at right-back alongside Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez. Ryan Gravenberch is pushing for a starting position in midfield and could replace Alexis Mac Allister in a deeper role.
Bradley Barcola, Liverpool's major new signing and a two-time Champions League winner with Paris Saint-Germain, could make his first start for the club on the right wing. If selected, Victor Munoz may have to settle for a place on the bench.
Cody Gakpo is expected to retain his position on the left, while Florian Wirtz could operate behind Isak in the number 10 role. Isak will be looking to improve his Champions League scoring record after managing only one goal in his previous 13 appearances in the competition.
Atletico will be without Alexander Sorloth, who is expected to miss the match because of a thigh injury. Arnau Ortiz is also suspended.
Simeone faces an important decision in attack, with Julian Alvarez potentially returning to the starting lineup after coming off the bench against Athletic Bilbao. Jonathan David is another option to lead the attack.
New signing Cristian Romero is hoping to make his full debut at centre-back, adding further quality and experience to Atletico's defence.
Meanwhile, club captain Koke could return to the starting XI in midfield. Should he make an appearance at Anfield, the veteran midfielder will reach 150 UEFA club competition appearances.