Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid: Champions League Opener Preview and Predictions

On Wednesday, Liverpool will welcome Atlético Madrid to Anfield for the start of the 2026–27 Champions League group stage. These two European giants are meeting for the sixth time this decade, continuing a recent trend of memorable clashes.

Last season's opener between these clubs also took place at Anfield. Liverpool took an early lead with two goals inside six minutes but had to rely on Virgil van Dijk’s late winner after allowing Atlético to come back into the game.

A New Era at Liverpool

This year, Liverpool approach the match under the leadership of new manager Andoni Iraola, who will manage his first Champions League game. After earning his first win last Friday with a 2–0 victory over Ipswich Town, Iraola faces less pressure despite Atlético having been a tough opponent during his time managing Rayo Vallecano, where he failed to secure a win in four attempts.

Meanwhile, Atlético are struggling with unsettled morale following the ongoing Julián Alvarez transfer saga. Their confidence took a hit after a 3–0 loss to Athletic Club on the weekend. Even so, Diego Simeone’s squad remains a force in Europe, having reached the semifinals last season.

Match Outlook and History

Anfield has always been a fortress for Liverpool, especially in Champions League openers. They have never lost their first home game in the competition, winning 10 and drawing 2 out of 12 such matches. The last three home openers all finished with a 3-2 scoreline.

Both teams have shown offensive prowess recently. Liverpool have scored twice in each of their three Premier League games this season, while Atlético have netted two or more goals in three of their four La Liga fixtures.

Their head-to-head record since 2020 includes five Champions League meetings. Atlético won the first two encounters, including a famous 3-2 victory at Anfield in 2020, but Liverpool have taken the last three.

• Anfield record for Liverpool's first CL match: 10 wins, 2 draws, 0 losses
• Recent scorelines at Anfield in CL openers: Three consecutive 3-2 results
• Goals scored this season: Liverpool – 2 goals in each PL match; Atlético – 2+ goals in 3 of 4 La Liga games
• Head-to-head in Champions League since 2020: Atlético won first 2; Liverpool won last 3

Prediction: Liverpool 3–2 Atlético Madrid

Projected Liverpool Lineup

Bradley Barcola is expected to make his first start after showing promise off the bench against Ipswich. If Barcola starts, Cody Gakpo, who has already contributed one goal and three assists this season, may shift to the right wing. Alexander Isak aims to continue his scoring streak with a third straight goal against Liverpool, while Ronald Araújo has impressed enough at right back to keep his place.

Injuries and squad decisions mean Wataru Endō and Federico Chiesa are absent from the Champions League roster. Joe Gomez, Hugo Ekitiké, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni are sidelined due to injuries.

• Liverpool Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Araújo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Gakpo, Wirtz, Barcola; Isak

Anticipated Atlético Madrid Lineup

Diego Simeone might bring back Julián Alvarez to the starting eleven, as the forward has returned after seeking a move to Barcelona. Alvarez’s presence is important, especially with Alexander Sørloth injured and missing from the traveling squad.

Arnau Ortiz is suspended, but Juventus loanee Jonathan David could make his debut off the bench. Summer signing Lee Kang-in is likely to feature alongside Alvarez, while Cristian Romero may start at center back, replacing Dávid Hancko.

• Atlético Madrid Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Romero, Grimaldo; Simeone, Barrios, Hjulmand, Lookman; Alvarez, Baena

Match Details

• Location: Liverpool, England
• Stadium: Anfield
• 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