Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid: Match Preview, Latest Team News and What to Look Out For
European nights are back at Anfield and this one could be an absolute cracker...
Liverpool are back under the lights at Anfield and Champions League football returns with a proper European clash. Atletico Madrid, led by Diego Simeone, travel to Merseyside to face a Liverpool side buzzing from a perfect start in the Premier League. Four wins from four have laid a solid domestic foundation, but the Champions League is a different beast entirely.
Liverpool will want to lay down a marker, make a statement, and prove that last season's exit to Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 was an unfortunate stumble. It’s now about taking that hurt and using it to go as far as possible in this year’s competition.
Redemption Needed Against Atletico Madrid
When people talk about Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid, many go back to that bitter March night in 2020 when the Reds were knocked out in extra time at Anfield. But that isn’t the whole story. Many forgeth that in 2021-22, Liverpool swept aside the Spaniards with a 3-2 win in Madrid followed by a 2-0 win at home in an authorative performance. Now, in 2025, it’s time to recapture that dominance.
Atletico Madrid arrive in patchy form. They’ve won just once in four La Liga games, sit mid-table, and are carrying a lengthy injury list. But Simeone thrives in chaos. He’ll drag his side into a fight if that’s what it takes. And if history tells us anything, it's that Atletico Madrid rarely show up to make friends.
Perfect Time for Liverpool to Strike
This is a Liverpool side that smells blood. Four games into the domestic season and four wins with Bournemouth, Newcastle United, Arsenal and Burnley dispatched. The performances haven’t been anything special, but the grit and mentality we’re seeing from this squad is hugely admirable.
And now, there’s even more excitement with the looming debut of Alexander Isak. Signed for a club-record £125 million, the Swedish striker missed the win at Turf Moor but is finally set to make his bow in red. And what a stage to do it on.
Liverpool have rebuilt and are now ready to reassert themselves as a European force. Slot knows what went wrong last season, particularly in that second-leg defeat to PSG.
And now it’s time to launch our domination.
Latest Team News
Liverpool:
Slot has confirmed that Alexander Isak will play some part against Atletico Madrid. Alexis Mac Allister has trained after a scare but is unlikely to start, with an eye on the Merseyside derby this weekend. Curtis Jones remains sidelined but could return against Everton. Expect Florian Wirtz to keep his place after an improved showing against Burnley, with Gravenberch and Szoboszlai likely to form the midfield trio.
In defence, questions remain over left-back. Milos Kerkez could be trusted with a start, with Andy Robertson likely held back for Saturday. At right-back, Connor Bradley may get the nod ahead of Frimpong due to his discipline and movement inside, especially suited to break down deep blocks. Expect Alisson, Van Dijk and Konaté to start in the back five.
Predicted XI: Alisson, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Kerkez, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Salah, Isak, Ekitike
Bench: Mamardashvili, Pecsi, Gomez, Leoni, Frimpong, Robertson, Endo, Nyoni, Mac Allister, Ngumoha, Chiesa, Isak
Atletico Madrid:
Simeone is dealing with serious selection issues. Julian Alvarez has not travelled. David Hancko, Robin Le Normand, Jose Maria Gimenez and Thiago Almada are all doubts or unavailable. With so many defensive absentees, there’s an expectation that Atletico may revert to type — digging in and defending for their lives.
Even with their issues, there’s danger. Antoine Griezmann remains a technically elite operator. Sorloth will likely partner him up top. Marcos Llorente offers a threat from right-back, while the experience of Koke and Oblak cannot be dismissed. They will aim to frustrate, slow down the tempo and hit Liverpool on the counter.
If they open up, Liverpool will pick them off. But that’s a big if.
Predicted XI: Oblak, Llorente, Pages, Lenglet, Ruggeri, Koke, Barrios, Gallagher, Simeone, Griezmann, Sorloth
Isak’s Big Moment Awaits
It’s hard to overstate the buzz surrounding Isak. This is a player who has tormented Liverpool in a Newcastle shirt, caused problems for defenders across Europe, and now he arrives at Anfield with the pressure of a record price tag and the dreams of supporters on his back.
But everything we’ve seen suggests that he's ready. He’s strong, elegant, lethal in front of goal and thrives on big moments. He doesn’t need 90 minutes, just give him a chance and he’ll take it.
Expect him to come on in the second half and instantly change the energy inside Anfield. One moment is all it will take.
More Than Just a Game
This fixture is more than just about qualification. It’s about mindset. In the new Champions League format, winning your home games is non-negotiable. Atletico are struggling. Their identity is unclear. They have injuries. And this Liverpool side are ready.
Slot’s men are not yet in full stride, but they have learned to win. That’s what makes them dangerous. They’ve ground out tough results. They’ve grown smarter. And now, they face a side who will try everything to drag them into a scrap. Liverpool just need to play their football.
There’s confidence in the air and there’s also a sense of emotional occasion. European nights at Anfield have always been special, but tonight carries weight. This is Liverpool’s moment to announce that they’re back, not just in the Champions League, but back among Europe’s elite.
Prediction
Given Atletico’s absentees and Liverpool’s home form, this feels like the perfect opportunity to open the campaign with a statement. Expect a tight game, but one where Liverpool’s control, quality and substitutes make the difference late on.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
Goals: Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike.