Key Takeaways:
- Liverpool will host Atletico Madrid tonight at Anfield
- The Merseyside club enter the tie following four straight Premier League wins, while Atletico have experienced mixed results in La Liga
- Atletico Madrid will be without Cardoso, Julian Alvarez, Baena, Gimenez, and Almada due to injury concerns
Anticipation Builds for First Group Encounter in New Champions League Format
The opening match between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid marks their inaugural clash under the revised UEFA Champions League format. Hosted at Anfield, this fixture holds considerable weight as both teams aim to secure vital points to establish momentum at the tournament’s outset. Referee Maurizio Mariani of Italy is set to officiate proceedings, with both sides keenly aware of every point’s significance in progressing to the next round.
Beginning our @ChampionsLeague campaign under the lights at Anfield 💪🔴#UCL pic.twitter.com/tupJyY8ZxM
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 17, 2025
Current Form: Contrasting Fortunes for Two Giants
Liverpool approach the contest in superb shape, having recorded four consecutive Premier League victories. Their run began with a 4-2 win over Bournemouth, followed by a dramatic 3-2 triumph against Newcastle. They then notched up narrow 1-0 wins against Arsenal and Burnley. The only blemish on their recent record is a 2-2 draw and the following penalty loss to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield.
By contrast, Atletico Madrid have endured inconsistent results in La Liga. The Spanish side defeated Villarreal 2-0, but drew back-to-back 1-1 encounters with Alaves and Elche, respectively. Earlier, they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Espanyol.
Probable Line-Ups and Team News
Arne Slot is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation for his Champions League managerial debut with Liverpool. The projected starting eleven features Alisson in goal, with a defensive quartet comprising Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, and Kerkez. Gravenberch and Szoboszlai are anticipated to anchor the midfield, while Salah, Wirtz, and Gakpo provide attacking support for Ekitike. Curtis Jones remains a doubt for selection.
Diego Simeone is set to rely on his customary 4-4-2 setup for Atletico Madrid. Jan Oblak will start in goal, protected by a defensive line of Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, and Ruggeri. The midfield unit consists of Giuliano Simeone, Koke, Barrios, and Gallagher, while Antoine Griezmann and Alexander Sørloth lead the attack. The Spanish side contend with several notable absentees: Cardoso, Julian Alvarez, Baena, Gimenez, and Almada have all been ruled out due to injury.
| Liverpool (4-2-3-1) | Atletico Madrid (4-4-2) |
|---|---|
| Alisson | Oblak |
| Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez | Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri |
| Gravenberch, Szoboszlai | Giuliano Simeone, Koke, Barrios, Gallagher |
| Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike | Griezmann, Sørloth |
| Unavailable | |
| Curtis Jones (doubtful) | Cardoso, Julian Alvarez, Baena, Gimenez, Almada (injured) |
Significance for Both Clubs
With both teams eager to secure three points in this crucial first group-stage fixture, the contest at Anfield promises high stakes. Liverpool’s notable form under Arne Slot places them among the early favourites, but Atletico Madrid’s pedigree and tactical discipline offer a stern test, despite their selection issues. This encounter could prove instrumental in dictating the trajectory of both clubs within the new Champions League format.
