As the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League group stage kicks off, one of the standout fixtures sees Liverpool hosting Atlético Madrid at the iconic Anfield Stadium. Both clubs bring rich European pedigree and fierce competitive spirit to this eagerly awaited clash, promising fans an intense and tactical battle.
Match Details
Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Kick-off: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool, England
Referee: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
VAR: Marco Di Bello (Italy)
Recent Form and Context
Liverpool enters this contest buoyed by a perfect start to their Premier League campaign, winning all four matches. However, their resilience has been tested late on in several games, with Mohamed Salah converting a stoppage-time penalty to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Burnley at the weekend. Manager Arne Slot will be looking to move away from relying on last-minute heroics and deliver a more controlled performance against Atlético.
On the other side, Atlético Madrid have had a shaky La Liga start with just one win in four games. Their recent 2-0 victory against Villarreal was a much-needed confidence boost, but drawing twice and an opening defeat to Espanyol highlight some ongoing challenges. The Spanish side’s experience in European competitions keeps them formidable opponents, especially under Diego Simeone’s tactical astuteness.
Head-to-Head Insights
Liverpool and Atlético Madrid have met five times in recent years with a closely fought record—Liverpool winning three matches and Atlético claiming two. The last encounter saw Liverpool triumph 2-0 in the Champions League group stage at Anfield in November 2021. However, Atlético’s memorable extra-time victory over Liverpool in the 2019–20 Champions League knockout round still lingers in fans’ memories, suggesting this matchup rarely lacks drama.
Projected Lineups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
- Defenders: Jeremie Frimpong, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson
- Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai
- Attackers: Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo
- Striker: Serhou Guirassy Ekitiké
Key notes: Alexander Isak may feature, potentially making his Liverpool debut after arriving this summer and previously facing Atlético during his time at Real Sociedad. Curtis Jones remains sidelined, while Alexis Mac Allister is expected back despite a recent heavy tackle.
Atlético Madrid (4-4-2):
- Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak
- Defenders: Marcos Llorente, Robin Le Normand, Clément Lenglet, Nahuel Ruggeri
- Midfielders: Rodrigo Simeone, Koke, Matheus Barrios, Conor Gallagher
- Forwards: Antoine Griezmann, Alexander Sørloth
Injuries have hit Atlético hard, with Julián Alvarez, Thiago Almada, José Giménez, Álex Baena, and Johnny Cardoso unavailable or doubtful for this fixture. The squad’s fitness issues could restrict Simeone’s squad depth as they look to manage the demanding Champions League schedule.
Tactical Battle to Watch
Liverpool’s style under Arne Slot aims to blend aggressive pressing with fluid attacking play, though recent defensive lapses show vulnerabilities. Atlético’s trademark disciplined, defensively rigid system under Simeone is designed to frustrate opponents and counterattack efficiently. The presence of creative players like Griezmann and the physicality of Sørloth pose serious questions for Liverpool’s backline.
Prediction
The atmosphere at Anfield on European nights is electric, often providing the Reds with a decisive edge. While Atlético’s organization makes them tough opponents, squad injuries and inconsistent form may hinder their challenge. Liverpool’s resilience and home support should help them break down Atlético’s defense and pick up all three points in a tight contest.
Predicted score: Liverpool 2 – 0 Atlético Madrid
How to Watch
United States: Paramount+, TUDN.com, Univision NOW, TUDN App, Amazon Prime Video, ViX, TUDN USA, UniMás
United Kingdom: TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, discovery+, Amazon Prime Video
Canada: DAZN, Amazon Prime Video
Mexico: Caliente TV, Amazon Prime Video
As these European giants clash, anticipate a game rich in strategy, passion, and moments that could set the tone for their Champions League campaigns. Liverpool aims to assert dominance on home soil, while Atlético looks to leverage its experience and resilience to spoil the party. The stage is set—let the showdown begin.
