Liverpool and Atletico Madrid renew their European rivalry Wednesday when they open their 2026-27 Champions League campaigns in a heavyweight League Phase matchup at Anfield.
The meeting is a repeat of last season's opening-round fixture, when Liverpool edged Atletico 3-2 at home with Virgil van Dijk scoring the winner in the second minute of stoppage time.
Liverpool arrive with renewed confidence after a difficult start to the Premier League season.
Andoni Iraola's side followed consecutive 2-2 draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest by earning their first victory of the campaign last Friday, beating Ipswich Town 2-0 away.
Alexander Isak settled the match early, scoring twice inside the opening nine minutes to give Liverpool a much-needed win and spare Iraola from becoming the club's first manager since Brendan Rodgers to go without a victory in his first three top-flight matches.
Iraola described the result as important for a team that had been searching for a breakthrough.
"We needed that one with the way it has been," the Spanish coach said.
Now, Iraola faces his biggest test yet as he prepares for his first Champions League match as a manager. Liverpool, meanwhile, are aiming to improve on last season's quarterfinal exit and end an eight-year wait for another European title.
The Reds have maintained a strong attacking record since their Champions League campaign ended against eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain last April. They have scored in each of their last nine competitive matches, finding the net at least twice in six of them.
Liverpool have also been among the strongest performers in the Champions League's expanded League Phase. They finished first in the 36-team standings in 2024-25 before placing third last season, winning six of their eight matches.
Their record against Spanish opposition in the League Phase offers further encouragement. Liverpool have won their last six such meetings and kept clean sheets in four of their last five.
Atletico, however, will arrive at Anfield determined to put a disappointing weekend behind them.
Diego Simeone's team had collected seven points from their opening three La Liga matches before suffering a 3-0 defeat at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. Atletico's defensive problems have become increasingly concerning, with the team conceding six second-half goals across their last three matches.
Simeone, who has been in charge at Atletico since December 2011, called the defeat a "real wake-up call" as he urged his players to respond quickly.
The Argentine is the longest-serving coach among the clubs competing in this season's Champions League and is once again tasked with taking Atletico one step further in a competition they have never won. Atletico have finished as runners-up three times and reached the semifinals last season.
Their record against English opposition in the Champions League is another obstacle. Atletico have never won a group-stage or League Phase match against an English club, drawing four and losing six of their 10 meetings.
Still, they have reason to believe they can trouble Liverpool's defense. Atletico have scored in 22 of their last 24 group-stage or League Phase matches and have failed to score only once in their previous five visits to Anfield.
Liverpool will be without Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo, who were not included in the club's Champions League squad.
Hugo Ekitike is also unavailable because of an Achilles injury, while Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined with knee injuries. Joe Gomez is doubtful with a muscle problem.
After Liverpool kept a clean sheet against Ipswich, Iraola could retain Ronald Araujo at right-back alongside Jeremy Jacquet, Van Dijk and Milos Kerkez in a back four.
Ryan Gravenberch is pushing for a starting role in midfield and could replace Alexis Mac Allister in the deeper position.
Bradley Barcola, one of Liverpool's major summer additions and a two-time Champions League winner with Paris Saint-Germain, could make his first start for the club on the right wing. His inclusion would likely send Victor Munoz to the bench.
Cody Gakpo is expected to keep his place on the left after his strong start to the season, with Florian Wirtz operating behind Isak in the No. 10 role.
Isak will lead the attack as he looks to add to his Champions League record. The Sweden international has scored only once in 13 career appearances in the competition.
Atletico are expected to be without Alexander Sorloth because of a thigh injury.
Arnau Ortiz is suspended after receiving a red card while playing for Slask Wroclaw in a Conference League qualifier in August 2024.
Simeone faces a major decision in attack, particularly over Julian Alvarez. The forward came off the bench against Athletic Bilbao and could be brought into the starting lineup at Anfield.
New signing Jonathan David is another option to lead the attack, while Cristian Romero is pushing for his full debut at center-back.
In midfield, club captain Koke could return to the starting lineup in place of either Morten Hjulmand or Pablo Barrios.
If Koke makes an appearance, he will reach a significant milestone, becoming the 28th player to make 150 appearances in UEFA club competitions.
