Champions League: Liverpool VS Atletico Madrid - Prediction

Liverpool begin their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign on Wednesday night when they welcome Atletico Madrid to Anfield. With two big European clubs meeting on the opening matchday, Liverpool will be hoping to use home advantage to make a positive start.

The Reds head into the game with some confidence after beating Ipswich Town 2-0 in the Premier League on Friday. It was an important result for Andoni Iraola, who had started his time as Liverpool manager with two draws. The performance against Ipswich was also encouraging, with Liverpool showing more intensity from the beginning and looking more dangerous going forward.

Wednesday will now bring a much bigger test. It will also be a special occasion for Iraola, as he takes charge of a Champions League game for the first time in his managerial career. In the press conference, Iraola said, " I think obviously it's a special night for me. Everyone talks about the Champions League nights at Anfield, and also the first game is against a strong opposition, it's Atletico Madrid."

"Simeone is doing an incredible job as a manager. To be all the years that he has been achieving every season the goals of the club I think is remarkable and definitely it's a big challenge for us," he added.

Atletico arrive at Anfield looking for a response after suffering a 3-0 defeat against Athletic Club at the weekend. They have had a mixed start to the La Liga season, winning two, drawing one and losing one of their opening four matches.

Stats & Facts

• Liverpool and Atletico Madrid have met 9 times in competitive European play, with Liverpool winning 4, Atletico winning 3, and 2 matches finishing level.
• The Reds enter this fixture having won each of the last 3 Champions League encounters against Atlético Madrid.
• Liverpool have secured three wins in their 5 clashes with Atletico Madrid in Anfield.
• Liverpool have kept only 1 clean sheet in 9 of their meetings with Atletico Madrid.
• Anfield has been a fortress for Liverpool as they have won 14 of their last 15 Champions League group.

Team News

Liverpool boss Iraola did not include Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo in the Champions League squad due to their long-term injury. But the English club will miss the service of Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni due to their respective injuries. Bradley Barcola, who won 2 UCL titles with PSG, is likely to make his debut for Liverpool tomorrow, while Barcelona loanee Ronald Araujo is also expected to start. Alexander Isak will lead the attack with Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz.

As for Atletico Madrid, Alexander Sorloth will miss the game due to a thigh injury, while Arnau Ortiz is out of the squad due to a suspension. New signing Cristian Romero is likely to make his full debut tomorrow for the Spanish club, while it is still uncertain whether Simeone will start Julian Alvarez or not.

Possible Lineup for Liverpool:

Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Barcola, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak

Possible Lineup for Atletico Madrid:

Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Romero, Grimaldo; Koke, Hjulmand; Simeone, Baena, Lookman; David

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid

Liverpool will head into this game as slight favourites, especially with the advantage of playing at Anfield. The Reds have won their last three Champions League meetings with Atletico Madrid. However, Atletico are experienced in European competition and have enough quality to cause Liverpool problems, particularly on the counterattack. Liverpool will need to remain patient against a well-organised Atletico side while avoiding unnecessary mistakes at the back. Home advantage could ultimately make the difference, and Liverpool’s attacking quality should create enough opportunities to secure all three points.

Betfair Odds

Liverpool: 1.70

Draw: 4.10

Atletico Madrid:4.75

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