Liverpool begin their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign tonight when they welcome Atlético Madrid to Anfield, with Andoni Iraola preparing for his first European match as Liverpool head coach.
The Reds arrive with some renewed confidence after recording their first Premier League victory of the season with a 2-0 win away to Ipswich Town. Atlético, meanwhile, travel to Merseyside looking to respond after a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Athletic Club in their most recent La Liga fixture.
Liverpool looking to build momentum
Liverpool's start to the domestic campaign has not been entirely straightforward, making tonight's Champions League opener particularly significant.
Iraola has already secured his first league victory and will now oversee his first European night at Anfield. The Spanish coach will be keen to make a positive start to his Champions League campaign and establish momentum in the competition.
The Liverpool manager will also want his side to combine the attacking quality available to him with greater defensive control. The balance in midfield could be particularly important against an Atlético side that traditionally makes life difficult for opponents in central areas.
Gakpo fitness concern
One of the main questions surrounding Liverpool's lineup is Cody Gakpo.
Gakpo is a doubt for the Atlético fixture after missing training ahead of the game. His potential absence would give Iraola another selection decision in an attack that has undergone considerable change during the summer.
Bradley Barcola could therefore be in line for increased involvement. The French winger has already made his Liverpool debut and provides another option capable of carrying the ball forward and stretching the opposition defence.
Victor Muñoz is another player attracting attention. The summer signing has made an encouraging start to his Liverpool career, scoring once and winning a penalty during his early Premier League appearances. His performances have increased competition for places in Liverpool's attacking positions.
Mac Allister's contract situation
Alexis Mac Allister will also enter the game under considerable attention after speaking publicly about his contract situation.
The Argentine midfielder revealed that he was disappointed Liverpool had not offered him a new contract, describing the situation as making him "very sad". He nevertheless stressed his commitment to the club and remains focused on helping Liverpool.
Atlético arrive with questions of their own
Atlético Madrid are not entering the game in ideal circumstances either.
Diego Simeone's side suffered a 3-0 defeat against Athletic Club in their latest La Liga outing and will be looking for a response in Europe.
Simeone has also had to manage fitness concerns within his squad. Alexander Sørloth remains injured, while new signing Jonathan David is not yet fully prepared to start. Julián Álvarez is progressing but is not expected to begin the match, although he could provide an attacking threat from the bench.
Álvarez remains one of Atlético's most important attacking players in Europe. His Champions League record makes him a player Liverpool cannot afford to lose track of if he enters the game.
Cristian Romero could also make his Atlético debut after completing his move from Tottenham, adding further experience and aggression to Simeone's defence.
Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid: A rivalry with plenty of history
Tonight's fixture will be the 10th competitive meeting between Liverpool and Atlético Madrid.
The previous nine meetings have produced four Liverpool victories, two draws and three Atlético wins, making the overall head-to-head record relatively close.
Their first competitive meetings came during the 2008/09 Champions League group stage. Both matches ended 1-1, with neither side able to establish an advantage.
The clubs met again in the 2009/10 Europa League semi-finals. Atlético won the first leg 1-0 in Madrid, before Liverpool responded with a 2-1 victory at Anfield. However, the Spanish side progressed to the final on away goals after the aggregate score finished 2-2.
Their next Champions League knockout meeting came in the 2019/20 round of 16 and remains one of the most memorable encounters between the sides.
Atlético won the first leg 1-0 in Madrid. Liverpool then appeared to turn the tie around at Anfield, taking a 2-0 lead after extra time had begun. However, Marcos Llorente changed the course of the match with two goals before Álvaro Morata completed a 3-2 victory for Atlético.
Atlético therefore progressed 4-2 on aggregate, ending Liverpool's defence of the Champions League title.
Liverpool responded emphatically in their next two meetings.
The Reds won 3-2 in Madrid in October 2021, before defeating Atlético 2-0 at Anfield three weeks later. Those victories gave Liverpool their first two wins over Simeone's side in the Champions League.
The most recent meeting came at Anfield on 17 September 2025, when Liverpool again prevailed 3-2 in another closely contested encounter.
That result means Liverpool have won their last three competitive meetings with Atlético: 3-2 in 2021, 2-0 in 2021 and 3-2 in 2025.
Llorente and his Anfield connection
One particularly intriguing subplot is Marcos Llorente's record against the Reds at Anfield.
The Atlético midfielder has scored four Champions League goals at Anfield, including a brace in the famous 2020 knockout tie and another two-goal performance in the 2025 meeting.
His record makes Liverpool a particularly notable opponent for the Spaniard, although the Reds will be hoping to prevent him from adding to that tally tonight.
Liverpool's overall record at Anfield against Atlético is three wins and one defeat, with nine goals scored and six conceded across those four competitive meetings.
The most recent three encounters at Anfield have all produced decisive results:
- Liverpool 3-2 Atlético Madrid — 2025
- Liverpool 2-0 Atlético Madrid — 2021
- Liverpool 2-3 Atlético Madrid — 2020
The history therefore suggests another competitive encounter rather than a straightforward home victory.
The tactical battle
The tactical contest should be one of the most interesting aspects of the game.
Liverpool are expected to look to control possession, press aggressively and use the pace of their forwards to stretch Atlético's defensive structure.
Players such as Muñoz and Barcola can provide width and direct running, while Florian Wirtz is expected to operate between the lines and help connect midfield with attack.
Atlético, under Simeone, are likely to place considerable emphasis on organisation, defensive compactness and transitions. Liverpool will therefore need patience when Atlético defend in numbers while remaining disciplined when possession is lost.
The midfield battle could ultimately determine the rhythm of the match. The Red's ability to play through Atlético's pressure without leaving spaces for counter-attacks will be crucial.
What is at stake?
For Liverpool, this is more than simply the opening match of another Champions League campaign.
It is Iraola's first European night at Anfield, and a strong result would provide an important early statement about the direction of his Liverpool project.
For Atlético, the challenge is to recover immediately from their heavy defeat to Athletic Club and begin their Champions League campaign positively.
Anfield should provide a significant advantage for Liverpool, but Atlético have repeatedly demonstrated that they are capable of making the Reds uncomfortable on this stage.
Verdict
Liverpool appear to enter the fixture with slightly greater momentum after their victory at Ipswich, while Atlético have questions to answer following their defeat to Athletic Club.
However, the history between these clubs suggests that Liverpool should expect a demanding contest.
Atlético have already eliminated Liverpool from the Champions League at Anfield, while Liverpool have subsequently beaten Simeone's side in their last three competitive meetings.
Liverpool's attacking options, home advantage and the early contributions of players such as Isak and Muñoz provide reasons for optimism.
The key will be whether the Reds can turn their attacking quality into sustained pressure without compromising their defensive balance.
Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid
UEFA Champions League
Venue: Anfield
Kick-off: 8:00pm BST.
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