Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid: Champions League Clash Preview and Lineups

Liverpool Host Atlético Madrid in Champions League Opener

On Wednesday, Liverpool kick off their 2026–27 Champions League group stage by welcoming Atlético Madrid to Anfield. This marks the sixth time these two sides have met in this decade.

The match echoes last season’s opener when Liverpool scored twice within six minutes but needed a late Virgil van Dijk goal to secure victory after Atlético fought back strongly.

New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola will oversee his first Champions League match following his recent 2–0 win at Ipswich Town. Despite his unbeaten record against Atlético as Rayo Vallecano's boss, Iraola faces fresh challenges here.

Meanwhile, Atlético are coming off a poor start to the season, overshadowed by the Julián Alvarez transfer saga and a heavy 3–0 loss to Athletic Club. Although belief seems low, their run to last season’s semifinals shows they remain formidable opponents in Europe.

Prediction and Match Outlook

Anfield has been a fortress for Liverpool in their Champions League openers, with 10 wins and 2 draws in 12 previous home starts, never suffering defeat. The last three such games all ended 3–2, suggesting another thrilling encounter.

Liverpool's attack looks potent with players like Bradley Barcola, who could start, supporting the in-form Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo. Florian Wirtz also has the potential to cause problems for Atlético’s defense.

Atlético know how to handle big European nights, and their attacking options could challenge Liverpool’s defense, which has shown vulnerabilities recently. Still, Liverpool's quality might be decisive.

• Head-to-head record: Five Champions League meetings this decade; Atlético won the first two, including a famous 3–2 win at Anfield in 2020, but lost the last three.
• Goals stats: Liverpool have scored twice in each of their three Premier League matches this season; Atlético have netted two or more in three out of four La Liga games.

Score Prediction: Liverpool 3–2 Atlético Madrid

Expected Lineups

• 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

Iraola plans to start Barcola after his promising debut, possibly shifting Gakpo to the right wing. Ronald Araújo continues at right-back following a strong performance recently. Injuries rule out Wataru Endō, Federico Chiesa, Joe Gomez, Hugo Ekitiké, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni.

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

Atlético may bring back Julián Alvarez despite summer transfer tensions. Injuries and suspension affect the squad, with Alexander Sørloth absent and Arnau Ortiz suspended. Jonathan David might make his club debut off the bench.

Match Details

• Location: Anfield, Liverpool, England
• Date: Wednesday, September 9
• Kickoff Time: 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