Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid Preview

• Draw or Liverpool win
• Both teams to score

Liverpool enter this fixture in dramatic fashion after once again needing late heroics to secure victory at the weekend. A stoppage-time penalty edged them past newly-promoted Burnley 1-0, marking the fourth consecutive game in which they have claimed all three points with a decisive goal beyond the 80th minute. That resilience is a hallmark of Arne Slot’s side and will fill the Anfield crowd with confidence as the Reds begin their 17th Champions League campaign. Liverpool topped the league phase last season, winning all four home games by an impressive 10-1 aggregate, including a 2-0 win against Atlético’s rivals Real Madrid.

Atlético Madrid arrive on Merseyside after shaking off an unsteady start to their domestic season. Without a win from their first three La Liga matches (D2, L1), Diego Simeone’s men responded strongly by defeating Villarreal 2-0 over the weekend to register their first victory of the campaign.

That result should give them some much-needed confidence as they embark on their 13th successive Champions League campaign. Historically, Atlético have been strong starters, losing just one of their last ten matchday one fixtures (W5, D4), and last season they enjoyed three away victories in the league phase.

Head-to-Head History

Liverpool and Atlético are no strangers in Europe. The Reds won both meetings in the 2021/22 group stages and have since extended their run of four successive group or league-phase victories against Spanish opposition.

In contrast, Atlético have struggled against Premier League clubs in recent times, claiming just one win from their last eight attempts (D2, L5).

Hot Stats and Streaks

• Liverpool have won their last 14 European home group/league-phase matches.
• Eleven of the last 13 goals in Liverpool games have been scored after half-time.
• Atlético Madrid won each of their last five Champions League league-phase games by a combined score of 17-4.
• Simeone’s men have scored in 15 of their last 16 group or league-phase fixtures.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players

Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz has made a habit of striking early in European competition, with all six of his career Champions League goals arriving in the first half.

His ability to provide a platform in the opening stages will be crucial.

For Atlético, Marcos Llorente will bring back vivid memories for the Anfield faithful; his double and assist knocked Liverpool out of the Champions League back in 2020.

He also holds an outstanding record of never losing a game in which he has scored (W28, D6).

On the team news front, Liverpool may be without Curtis Jones, while Alexis Mac Allister was withdrawn with an injury against Burnley and faces a late fitness test. Atlético are missing defender José María Giménez through injury, while Álex Baena will not feature after undergoing surgery for appendicitis.

Prediction

Liverpool’s incredible record at Anfield in European competition makes them favourites, but Atlético’s pedigree in this competition and their knack for frustrating elite sides cannot be overlooked. The visitors have rediscovered some form and will pose a threat on the counterattack, but the Reds’ momentum and habit of scoring late could prove decisive once again. Expect a close, competitive match with goals at both ends, but Liverpool’s home advantage should see them prevail 2-1.

Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid

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Liverpool vs Atleti | UEFA Champions League 2025/26