Kick-off: Wednesday 17 September 2025 at 21:00 CEST (20:00 BST)
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Competition: UEFA Champions League group stage

Form & Context

Liverpool have made a perfect start to the 2025/26 Premier League season, winning all four games, including a dramatic late 1-0 win at Burnley where Mohamed Salah scored an injury-time penalty. Arne Slot will want a more comfortable performance in their first Champions League outing. Atléti have stuttered in La Liga, with only one win from their opening four matches, though they beat Villarreal 2-0 last weekend. The Spanish side have lost their last two meetings with Liverpool, but famously knocked the Reds out of the 2019–20 Champions League with a 3-2 extra-time victory.

Team News & Injuries

Liverpool: Midfielder Curtis Jones remains sidelined, but Alexis Mac Allister is expected to be available despite limping off at Burnley. Record signing Alexander Isak, who missed the weekend win through lack of fitness, could make his debut. Federico Chiesa is ineligible for this competition after being omitted from the Champions League squad.

Atlético Madrid: Diego Simeone’s men will travel without striker Julián Álvarez, who suffered a knee injury in the win over Villarreal. They are also missing Thiago Almada, José Giménez and Álex Baena, while midfielder Johnny Cardoso sprained his ankle in training. Centre-backs Dávid Hancko and Robin Le Normand and forward Nicolás González are part of the squad despite picking up knocks at the weekend.

Predicted Line-Ups

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitiké.
Atlético Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Simeone, Koke, Barrios, Gallagher; Griezmann, Sørloth.

Tactical Preview

Slot will likely persist with his fluid 4-2-3-1, pressing high and looking to exploit space between the lines. Frimpong’s overlap and Robertson’s width can pin back Atlético’s wide midfielders. Isak’s availability gives the Reds a physical option up front if Ekitiké tires. Simeone’s 4-4-2 will be compact and aggressive: Koke and Barrios will try to disrupt Liverpool’s build-up, while Antoine Griezmann drops deep to link play and Sørloth provides an aerial threat. Atlético will cede possession and look to counter quickly, especially down the wings, and aim to capitalise on set-pieces.

Key Numbers

• Liverpool have won three of the last five meetings between these sides, including a 2-0 victory at Anfield in 2021.
• The Reds are unbeaten in their last 12 Champions League group-stage home games.
• Atlético have managed only two clean sheets in their last eight away matches in Europe.
• Bookmakers’ models give Liverpool roughly a 64% win probability, with 24% for the visitors and a 12% chance of a draw.

Score Prediction

Anfield under the lights should inspire Liverpool. Slot’s men have been clinical but not always convincing; however, Atlético’s injury problems and lack of firepower without Álvarez may limit their threat. A professional performance should see the hosts prevail.

Prediction: Liverpool 2 – 0 Atlético Madrid.