Liverpool return to Champions League action on Wednesday, 18 September 2025, when they welcome Atletico Madrid to Anfield in their opening league phase encounter. For the Reds, it is their first continental test since March, and it comes amid a run of strong domestic form.
Liverpool’s Form and Momentum
Arne Slot’s side have begun the Premier League season with four wins from four, though late drama has been a recurring theme. Victories against Bournemouth, Newcastle, Arsenal, and Burnley have highlighted their resilience, but also revealed a tendency to leave it late.
- Burnley 0–1 Liverpool – Premier League
- Liverpool 1–0 Arsenal – Premier League
- Newcastle 2–3 Liverpool – Premier League
- Liverpool 4–2 Bournemouth – Premier League
- Crystal Palace 2–2 Liverpool – Community Shield
At Anfield, Liverpool remain formidable. They boast a 14-match winning streak at home in UEFA group-stage fixtures—a record they will be determined to extend.
Atletico Madrid’s Mixed Start
By contrast, Atletico Madrid’s form has been uneven. Simeone’s men drew against Alavés and Elche, lost narrowly to Espanyol, and only found rhythm with a 2-0 victory over Villarreal last weekend.
- Atletico 2–0 Villarreal – La Liga
- Alavés 1–1 Atletico – La Liga
- Atletico 1–1 Elche – La Liga
- Espanyol 2–1 Atletico – La Liga
- Newcastle 0–2 Atletico – Friendly
Consistency has been elusive, and injuries have not helped their cause.
Team News
Liverpool
- Alexis Mac Allister is a doubt after a knock against Burnley.
- Curtis Jones remains sidelined.
- Jeremie Frimpong is expected to start at right-back.
- Record signing Alexander Isak is back in the squad and could make his European debut from the bench.
- Stefan Bajčetić and Rhys Williams remain doubts.
Atletico Madrid
- Julian Alvarez misses out with a knee injury.
- Gimenez, Almada, Cardoso, and Baena are all sidelined.
- Robin Le Normand, David Hancko, and Nico Gonzalez face late tests but have travelled.
Alvarez’s absence is a major blow. The Argentine scored 29 goals last season and was named Atletico’s Player of the Season. Without him, the attacking burden falls on Antoine Griezmann, Alvaro Morata, and Alexander Sorloth.
Probable Lineups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Bench: Isak, Kerkez, Mac Allister (if fit).
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak; Molina, Le Normand, Hermoso, Reinildo; Llorente, Koke, Barrios, Riquelme; Griezmann, Morata/Sorloth.
Van Dijk’s View
Captain Virgil van Dijk stressed the importance of composure ahead of the tie, telling @eurofootcom:
“Games against Atletico are never easy. They defend with everything, they frustrate you, and then they punish mistakes. For us, it’s about patience, staying focused, and making sure we take our chances when they come. Nights like this at Anfield are special—we’re ready.”
With Liverpool aiming to continue their perfect start and Atletico desperate to shake off early-season inconsistency, the stage is set for another classic European battle under the lights.
