Liverpool Set to Host Atletico Madrid in High-Stakes Champions League Opener at Anfield

Liverpool and Atletico Madrid are preparing to kick off their 2026-27 Champions League campaigns with a thrilling league-phase clash at Anfield. Andoni Iraola secured his first victory as Liverpool manager over the weekend and now turns his focus to his inaugural Champions League fixture with the club, while Atletico Madrid look to bounce back from a disappointing 3-0 away defeat against Athletic Bilbao.

Alexander Isak provided the spark for Liverpool's recent success, netting twice in the opening 10 minutes to secure a 2-0 win over Ipswich at Portman Road. The Swede is finally beginning to justify his club-record fee, supported by new signing Bradley Barcola, who made his debut as a second-half substitute. Meanwhile, Diego Simeone's Atletico side suffered their first defeat of the season after first-half lapses allowed Athletic Bilbao to take control through goals from Nico Williams, Robert Navarro, and Oihan Sancet.

According to the Opta supercomputer, Liverpool enter the match as favorites with a 53 percent win probability, compared to Atletico's 23.5 percent. Historically, the two sides have met nine times, with Liverpool claiming four victories to Atletico's three, alongside two draws. Their most recent encounter in September 2025 saw Virgil van Dijk score a dramatic stoppage-time header to seal a 3-2 victory for the Reds.

For team news, Liverpool will be without Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni due to injuries, while Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo are unregistered for the Champions League squad. Joe Gomez faces a late fitness test, and Bradley Barcola is in contention for his first start. Atletico Madrid will travel without the injured Alexander Sorloth and the suspended Arnau Ortiz.