Liverpool are preparing to welcome Atletico Madrid to Anfield on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, for their UEFA Champions League opener — a fixture that carries extra weight for both clubs as they look to steady their early-season form.

Liverpool's rocky start

The Reds have endured a difficult opening to the 2026/27 campaign under new head coach Andoni Iraola, drawing 2-2 against both Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest in their first two league outings. A 2-0 win over newly-promoted Ipswich Town on Friday gave the side some much-needed relief and momentum heading into European competition.

Atletico's inconsistent run

Diego Simeone's side began their domestic season with a 2-0 home win over Malaga before drawing 2-2 with Villarreal. They then bounced back with a 3-1 away victory at Sevilla, only to suffer a damaging 3-0 defeat to Athletic Club at the weekend — a result that will have heightened the pressure ahead of their Anfield trip.

Head-to-head history

The two clubs have met nine times in total, with Liverpool holding the edge: four wins to Atletico Madrid's three, and two draws. Their most recent encounter — last season's Champions League opener — ended 3-2 to Liverpool. Andrew Robertson and Mohamed Salah struck in the 4th and 6th minutes respectively to put the hosts 2-0 up, before Marcos Llorente's brace levelled the tie. Virgil van Dijk then delivered the decisive blow two minutes into second-half stoppage time.

Players to watch

Liverpool's Cody Gakpo arrives in good form, having already contributed one goal and three assists this campaign after a below-par 2025/26 season. The Dutchman is effective cutting inside from the left or operating as a false nine. Alexander Isak, signed for a British record fee, looks a different player this term — the 26-year-old has scored three goals in three games, displaying the smooth dribbling, movement, and clinical finishing that made him one of Europe's most coveted strikers.

For Atletico Madrid, Alex Baena has been the standout performer, returning from Spain's World Cup triumph and backing it up with three goals and an assist in league play. The 26-year-old winger is lethal in half-spaces and dangerous with his final delivery. Giuliano Simeone, 23, rounds out the key Atleti threats — relentless in his pressing, disciplined defensively, and capable of finishing, with one goal and one assist already to his name this season.

Team news

Liverpool will be without Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo, who were omitted from their Champions League squad. Hugo Ekitike is sidelined with an Achilles injury, while Conor Bradley and Leoni are both nursing knee problems. Joe Gomez's availability remains uncertain.

Iraola is expected to line up with Ronald Araujo — on loan from Barcelona — at right-back, alongside Jeremy Jacquet, Van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez. Ryan Gravenberch could slot into the deep-lying midfield role in place of Alexis MacAllister. Bradley Barcola, a Champions League winner with PSG, may make his first start at the club on the left flank, with Florian Wirtz operating at No.10 behind Isak.

Atletico Madrid travel without Alexander Sorloth, who is out with a thigh injury. Arnau Ortiz is suspended following a red card received while on duty for Slask Wroclaw in a Conference League qualifier in August 2024. Julian Alvarez, reportedly seeking a move away, could feature after coming on as a substitute against Athletic Club, while Jonathan David is also pushing to lead the line. Cristian Romero hopes to make his full debut at centre-back.

Club captain Koke Resurrección is in contention to start in central midfield. Should he feature at Anfield, he would become the 28th player in history to reach 150 UEFA club competition appearances — a milestone worth watching for.