WHO: Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid
Contents: UEFA Champions League
Location: Anfield, Liverpool, UK
When: Wednesday, September 17th at 9pm (7:00 GMT)
How to Follow: Before the live text commentary stream, install all your builds on the Al Jazeera Sport from 6pm (16:00 GMT).
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The UEFA Champions League opener is not as big as Mega Club Liverpool, which played against Spanish powerhouse Atletico Madrid.
The incumbent English Premier League champions, who launched a new domestic campaign with a perfect 4-0 record, are about to revenge the exit of the disappointing round from the Champions League last season.
Atletico, who won a strong third position in La Liga, behind Barcelona and Real Madrid last season, is the only team in history to reach three Champions League finals without winning the trophy.
There’s everything you need to know about Matchday 1 Fixture.
Will Alexander Isaac make his debut for Liverpool against Atletico?
Liverpool fans were denied the opportunity to see the British record signing Alexander Isaac as they were removed from the match-day team for Sunday’s 1-0 victory at Burnley, but manager Arne Slot said they don’t have to wait long.
Slot has confirmed the Swedish forward who has been signed to a deadline of £125 million ($169.45 million) from Newcastle United, but has yet to speed after playing almost minutes this season due to injuries.
However, Dutchman suggested that he would likely play some role against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
“Alex is not ready for a three-game schedule in a week,” Slot told reporters after his final Gasp Premier League victory at Turf Moor, secured by a penalty from Mohamed Sarah.
“So he will be able to play at least 45 on either Wednesday (against Atletico) or Saturday.
Isaac’s only football action so far this season was a 20-minute cameo from the Swedish bench after Kosovo lost 2-0 in World Cup qualifying last week.
What’s the problem with Atletico this LA La Liga season?
The Madrid Giants struggled from the gate in the current 2025-26 season and are currently ranked 11th in the Spanish Division One Table.
Los Colchoneros lost the season opener to the Espanyol side, which had a major improvement in the 2-1 season on August 17th, then suffered an embarrassing 1-1 home draw for newly demoted Elche.
Another draw followed in the Alaves a week later, but Atletico’s season appears to be turning back after a 2-0 defeat in Villarial on Sunday and a recent signature by talented Argentine forward Nicolas Gonzalez.
When did Liverpool and Atletico last meet?
The sides last met at Anfield on November 3, 2021, with Liverpool earning a 2-0 return Champions League group stage fixture against Atletico Madrid.
The late Diogo Jota and Sadio Manet gave the hosts two goals cushions within the first 20 minutes of the contest.
When Atletico’s Felipe was sent off in the 36th minute for an incorrect tackle in the mane, the Reds had an advantage in the final whistle, securing a spot in the final 16 of the tournament.
When was Liverpool last won the UEFA Champions League?
Arne Slot’s side is aiming to win the competition for the first time since 2019.
Important statistics:
Liverpool has won the last 14 home European group stage/league phase phase matches, scoring more than two goals in the last 13 and maintaining nine clean sheets in the last 12. Atletico won the final five league phase fixtures.
Team News: Liverpool
Isaac may make his long-awaited debut in Liverpool, but he will rarely take part in Starting XI.
After being on the receiver of the Crunching Challenge from Lesley Ugochukwu, the Alexis Mac Allister, who only played half-games with Burnley, is a game time decision as to whether he will start against Atletico.
England International Curtis Jones is out with an unspecified injury. Dominik Szoboszlai is most likely to see Jeremie Frimpong joining the starting XI and proceeding to Jones’ defensive midfield role.
Team News: Atletico Madrid
Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Villarreal in Atletico caused a high blow to Diego Simeone’s team, with more than four players being kicked out with injuries: Julian Alvarez, Gonzalez, Robin Le Normando and David Hanco.
Alvarez, Gonzalez and Le Normando are likely to be comprehensive in the first XI, but the Panco injury – the high-end ankle sprain suffered just minutes after he entered the villain match as an alternative – his participation in Liverpool is highly doubtful.
Jose Guimenez is also suspicious of the tension in his calf before the equipment on Wednesday.
Alex Baena and Thiago Armada will not face Liverpool.
Possible lineup:
Liverpool: Allison Becker (goalkeeper); Frimon, Conate, Van Dyke, Robertson. Greygunbellch, szoboszlai; Salah, Wartz, Gappo. ekitike
Atletico Madrid: oblak (goalkeeper); Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Barrios, Cork; Simeone, Griezmann, Gonzalez; Alvarez
Head-on:
Liverpool and Atletico Madrid won six times, each two.
Liverpool – Atletico Madrid 2 wins – 2 win draws – 2
The final 5 matches (all competitions):
Liverpool: lwwww (latest result is the last)
Atletico Madrid: WLDDW
