Liverpool and Atlético Madrid open their 2026/27 Champions League campaigns with a repeat of last season’s Matchday 1 fixture (Liverpool won 3-2 at Anfield). Andoni Iraola’s first European game as Reds manager comes against Diego Simeone’s side under the lights.

Form Guide

• Liverpool: Mixed Premier League start (draws vs Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, then a first win under Iraola — 2-0 at Ipswich with an Alexander Isak brace). Defensively open at times.
• Atlético Madrid: Inconsistent in La Liga (recent 3-0 loss to Athletic Bilbao). Still dangerous on the counter and set-pieces.

Liverpool have a strong recent record against Atlético (won the last three meetings) and an excellent home European record.

Team News

Liverpool
Out: Hugo Ekitiké (Achilles), Conor Bradley (knee), Giovanni Leoni (knee). Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo left out of the Champions League squad. Joe Gomez is a doubt (muscle).

Bradley Barcola is expected to make his first start after his debut off the bench.

Possible lineup (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Araújo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch/Mac Allister; Barcola, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.

Atlético Madrid
Out: Alexander Sørloth (thigh), Arnau Ortiz (suspended). Julián Álvarez has travelled and could start or come off the bench after his transfer saga. Cristian Romero is pushing for a start.

Possible lineup: Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Romero, Grimaldo; Koke/Hjulmand, Barrios; Simeone, Baena, Lookman; David/Álvarez.

Prediction

Liverpool 2-1 Atlético Madrid

Anfield should give Liverpool the edge in an open, high-intensity game. Both sides have shown defensive vulnerabilities this season, so goals are likely. The Reds’ attacking quality (Isak, Wirtz, Barcola, Gakpo) should prove decisive, though Atlético will remain dangerous on the break.