Liverpool open their Champions League campaign at Anfield on Wednesday against an Atletico Madrid side they have beaten in each of their last three meetings in the competition.
It is Andoni Iraola’s first game in charge of a Liverpool European fixture, and a chance to carry momentum from Friday’s win at Ipswich into a much tougher test. Liverpool have won their last six League Phase meetings with Spanish opposition, though Atletico have picked up points at Anfield twice in their last five visits there.
Liverpool team news
Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo have both been left out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad list altogether, ruling them out of contention regardless of fitness. Hugo Ekitike continues his recovery from an Achilles injury, while Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are both sidelined with knee problems. Joe Gomez is a doubt with a muscle issue, meaning Andoni Iraola is expected to stick with the centre-back pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet that started at Ipswich.
Alisson Becker continues in goal, with Ronald Araujo favoured at right-back ahead of Jeremie Frimpong following his clean sheet against Ipswich, and Milos Kerkez retained at left-back. Bradley Barcola, Liverpool’s £123m summer signing from Paris Saint-Germain, is in contention to make his full debut on the wing, with Victor Munoz the player most likely to make way if the Frenchman starts.
Dominik Szoboszlai is expected to operate in a deeper midfield role, with Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister competing for the other berth alongside him, while Florian Wirtz continues behind Alexander Isak.
Liverpool predicted lineup
Liverpool possible starting XI: Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Barcola, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak
When will the match kick off?
The Champions League match kicks off at 20:00 BST on Wednesday, 9 September 2026.
How to watch Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid?
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate in the UK, with streaming available via HBO Max.
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