Liverpool will host Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday evening for their opening league-phase match of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League campaign. The clash kicks off at 19:00 GMT, with Al Jazeera Sport providing comprehensive build-up starting at 16:00 GMT.
The match represents a pivotal moment for Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola, who secured his first victory as Reds boss this past weekend. He now turns his attention to guiding the club through its first European fixture of the season under his leadership.
Liverpool came into the week with momentum after a commanding 2-0 away win against Ipswich Town. Alexander Isak, Liverpool’s record-breaking £125 million signing from Newcastle, scored twice within the opening 10 minutes to announce his arrival in the Premier League. New recruit Bradley Barcola also made his debut as a second-half substitute in the 100-million-pound deal.
“We needed it. Definitely needed this one. Also the way it has been, I think, with a clean sheet,” Iraola said regarding the importance of the victory. While his first two games ended in entertaining 2-2 draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, the win at Portman Road helps ease concerns about Liverpool’s ability to compete at the top of the table.
In contrast, Atletico Madrid arrives at Anfield carrying the shadows of a heavy 3-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. The result marked Diego Simeone’s side’s first loss of the season. Athletic struck twice through Nico Williams and Robert Navarro, followed by a third from Oihan Sancet, exposing significant defensive frailties in the second half.
Simeone criticized his team’s lapse in concentration. “[We had] two minutes of inattention and poor decision-making in situations we should have handled better,” the Atletico manager stated. “Bilbao capitalised on that lapse.” Striker Julian Alvarez, who had sought a move to Barcelona over the summer, returned from illness as a substitute but offered little impact.
Historically, Liverpool holds the edge in recent encounters. The two clubs have met nine times, with Liverpool winning four matches and Atletico taking three, while two fixtures ended in draws. In their most recent meeting last September, Liverpool secured a dramatic 3-2 victory, sealed by a stoppage-time header from captain Virgil van Dijk after Marcos Llorente had pegged the visitors back.
Data analytics firm Opta gives Liverpool a 53 percent chance of victory, compared to a 23.5 percent probability for Atletico. However, Liverpool face injury concerns ahead of the showdown. Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni are ruled out, while Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo are not registered in the Champions League squad. Joe Gomez remains a late fitness test due to a muscle issue, and Bradley Barcola is expected to start on the right wing.
Atletico will also be without key players. Forward Alexander Sorloth is sidelined with a thigh injury, and Arnau Ortiz is suspended following a red card received during a previous European tie. Simeone’s predicted lineup features Oblak in goal, with David leading the attack alongside Lookman and Baena.
Finally, a clean sheet for Iraola! The team looks much more organized now.
53% win probability seems low for Liverpool at home. I’d give them higher odds.
Great insight into the injury名单. Hope Gomez recovers in time.
Atletico’s defense looks exposed. Can Simeone fix it in time for this game?
Isak scoring twice on debut is insane! Liverpool look dangerous now.