Liverpool return to Champions League action on Wednesday, 18 September 2025, when they welcome Atletico Madrid to Anfield in their opening league phase encounter. For the Reds, it is the first continental test since March, and one that comes amid strong domestic form.
Arne Slot’s side have won all four of their Premier League games this season, though each has required late drama to secure the points. Victories against Bournemouth, Newcastle, Arsenal and Burnley have underlined their resilience, but also revealed a tendency to leave it late. With Atletico renowned for their defensive organisation and ability to thrive in hostile environments, this will be a true test of Liverpool’s sharpness.
Liverpool’s Form and Momentum
The reigning Premier League champions enter the match on the back of a strong run:
- Burnley 0–1 Liverpool – Premier League
- Liverpool 1–0 Arsenal – Premier League
- Newcastle 2–3 Liverpool – Premier League
- Liverpool 4–2 Bournemouth – Premier League
- Crystal Palace 2–2 Liverpool – Community Shield
That sequence demonstrates both their attacking quality and their determination to grind out results. At Anfield, the Reds are particularly formidable, boasting a 14-match winning streak at home in UEFA group-stage fixtures.
Atletico Madrid’s Mixed Start
By contrast, Atletico Madrid’s domestic form has been uneven. Simeone’s men drew against Alavés and Elche, lost narrowly to Espanyol, and finally returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Villarreal last weekend.
- Atletico 2–0 Villarreal – La Liga
- Alavés 1–1 Atletico – La Liga
- Atletico 1–1 Elche – La Liga
- Espanyol 2–1 Atletico – La Liga
- Newcastle 0–2 Atletico – Friendly
Consistency has been elusive, and their injury list makes life even harder.
Team News and Injuries
Liverpool
- Alexis Mac Allister is a doubt after picking up a knock against Burnley, though Slot may rest him regardless.
- Curtis Jones remains unavailable.
- Jeremie Frimpong is expected to return at right-back, allowing Dominik Szoboszlai to move into midfield.
- Alexander Isak, the club’s record signing, is back in the squad and could make his European debut, though he is likely to start on the bench as he builds match fitness.
- Stefan Bajčetić and Rhys Williams remain doubts.
Atletico Madrid
- Julian Alvarez misses out after sustaining a knee injury last weekend.
- Jose Maria Gimenez, Thiago Almada, Johnny Cardoso, and Alex Baena are also sidelined.
- Robin Le Normand, David Hancko, and Nico Gonzalez faced late fitness tests but have travelled.
Alvarez’s absence is a huge blow. The Argentine scored 29 goals last season and was named Atletico’s Player of the Season. Without him, the attacking burden will fall heavily on Antoine Griezmann, Alvaro Morata, and Alexander Sorloth, who combined for 41 goals last year.
Lineups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1):
Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Bench options: Isak, Kerkez, Mac Allister (if fit).
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2):
Oblak; Molina, Le Normand, Hermoso, Reinildo; Llorente, Koke, Barrios, Riquelme; Griezmann, Morata/Sorloth.
Virgil van Dijk’s comment from @eurofootcom down below:
Key Battles to Watch
- Salah vs Reinildo – Liverpool’s Egyptian star was the late hero at Burnley but will want a more complete display. Atletico’s left flank will be tasked with keeping him quiet.
- Van Dijk & Konaté vs Griezmann & Sorloth – Without Alvarez, Atletico must rely on Griezmann’s intelligence and Sorloth’s physicality. Liverpool’s centre-backs will need to stay sharp.
- Midfield battle: Gravenberch & Szoboszlai vs Koke & Barrios – Control of midfield could dictate the tempo. Liverpool’s energy against Atletico’s experience will be fascinating.
The Anfield Factor
Anfield on a European night has proved decisive many times before, and the crowd will play its part again. Liverpool will be expected to dictate play, especially with Atletico weakened by absences. However, Simeone’s sides are famous for their resilience, tactical fouls, and ability to frustrate stronger opponents.
The Opta model has Liverpool among the leading contenders to win the Champions League this season, but Atletico remain dangerous despite their injuries.
Prediction
With Alvarez missing and Liverpool in strong form at home, the balance tilts in favour of the Reds. However, history shows that fixtures between these two clubs are rarely straightforward. Expect a tight, tactical battle where Liverpool’s depth and late-game resilience could once again prove decisive.
Predicted Result: Liverpool 2–1 Atletico Madrid
