Match Info

Competition: Champions League — Gameweek 1

Date: September 9, 2026

Time: 03:00 (GMT+7) / 20:00 (GMT+1)

Venue: Anfield

Liverpool Preview

Liverpool open their Champions League campaign at Anfield looking to build on their first victory of the new Andoni Iraola era. After consecutive 2-2 draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, the Reds finally secured a 2-0 away win over Ipswich Town, with new striker Alexander Isak scoring twice inside the opening nine minutes. Liverpool have also scored in each of their last nine competitive matches, finding the net at least twice in six of those games. Their recent record against Spanish opposition in the Champions League is particularly impressive, with six consecutive League Phase victories and four clean sheets in their last five such matches. Big-money arrival Bradley Barcola could make his first start, while Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo and Isak give Liverpool a formidable attacking trio.

Atletico Madrid Preview

Atletico Madrid travel to Anfield looking to recover from a damaging 3-0 defeat against Athletic Bilbao. Diego Simeone's side had collected seven points from their first three La Liga matches, but their collapse after half-time in Bilbao exposed some defensive vulnerabilities that will be heavily tested by Liverpool's attack. Atletico have reached the Champions League semi-finals last season and are once again targeting their first European title, but their record against English opposition is far less encouraging: they have never won a Champions League League Phase match against an English club, recording four draws and six defeats. Julian Alvarez could return to the starting XI after coming off the bench at Athletic, while Jonathan David and new signing Cristian Romero are also pushing for starting roles. Alexander Sorloth is expected to miss out through injury.

Probable Lineups

Liverpool (4-2-3-1)

Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Barcola, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak

Atletico Madrid (4-2-3-1)

Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Romero, Grimaldo; Koke, Hjulmand; Simeone, Baena, Lookman; David

We Say

Liverpool's attacking momentum makes them an especially dangerous opponent for an Atletico side that conceded three second-half goals in their latest outing. The arrival of Barcola adds another explosive option to an already dangerous frontline, while Isak's immediate impact will give Atletico's defence plenty to think about. Simeone's team have the experience and individual quality to punish Liverpool, particularly through their attacking transitions, but their historical struggles against English opposition and recent defensive concerns make Anfield an extremely difficult venue for them.

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