Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid: Match Preview, Latest Team News and Predicted Lineups | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid – UEFA Champions League Preview

Date: Wednesday, 17th September 2025

Venue: Anfield

Kick-off: 20:00 BST

Liverpool’s return to Champions League action comes under the Anfield lights, with Arne Slot’s side hosting Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid in the opening fixture of the revamped opening stage of the European Cup. For the reigning Premier League champions, it’s a chance to set the tone in Europe, while for Atletico, it’s the opportunity to spoil the party and remind everyone of their pedigree in knockout-style contests.

The narrative is compelling: Slot’s free-flowing, possession-based system against Simeone’s organised, combative approach. Both sides are built on intensity but channel it in different ways. Add in the fact that these clubs have clashed memorably in recent years, and you have a heavyweight European fixture that promises drama under the famous Anfield lights.

Atletico Madrid

Diego Simeone brings his familiar blend of steel and flair. Atletico arrive amid indifferent form in La Liga, as their early-season form has been far from fluid. Antoine Griezmann remains the side’s creative heartbeat, with Pablo Barrios and Koke marshalling midfield. I do see former Liverpool target and Manchester City star, Julián Alvarez, as the main threat and Virgil van Dijk will have his hands full dealing with the world class South American.

Simeone’s main concern will be shoring up a backline that has looked uncharacteristically shaky in recent weeks, though Jan Oblak remains one of Europe’s most reliable shot-stoppers.

Predicted Atletico Madrid Lineup (4-4-2):

GK: Jan Oblak

RB: Marcos Llorente

RCB: Robin Le Normand

LCB: Clément Lenglet

LB: Matteo Ruggeri

RM: Giuliano Simeone

CM: Koke (c)

CM: Pablo Barrios

LM: Nicolás González

CF: Antoine Griezmann

CF: Julián Alvarez

Liverpool

Arne Slot has one or two headaches to manage. Curtis Jones remains unavailable, while Jeremie Frimpong may only be fit enough for the bench again. Alexander Isak, Liverpool’s record signing, could make his Champions League bow after getting minutes for Sweden last week, though Hugo Ekitike may keep his starting place as Slot balances fitness and form.

Florian Wirtz is set to continue as the creative fulcrum behind the striker, with Mohamed Salah the ever-present danger man on the right. Conor Bradley is tipped to start at right-back, with Andy Robertson returning on the opposite flank. The midfield trio of Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, and Wirtz offers dynamism and invention, which will be vital against Atletico’s suffocating press. Alexis Mac Allister will probably be held back for the derby on Saturday.

Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-2-3-1):

GK: Alisson Becker

RB: Conor Bradley

RCB: Ibrahima Konaté

LCB: Virgil van Dijk (c)

LB: Milos Kerkez

CM: Dominik Szoboszlai

CM: Ryan Gravenberch

ACM: Florian Wirtz

RW: Mohamed Salah

CF: Hugo Ekitike

LW: Cody Gakpo

How Will This Contest Play Out?

This match promises to be a clash of ideologies. Atletico will arrive to frustrate, sit compact, and break with venom through Griezmann and Julián Alvarez. Simeone’s teams thrive in hostile environments, and Anfield will hold no fear for a squad seasoned in European dogfights.

For Liverpool, the key will be tempo control. If Szoboszlai and Gravenberch can circulate possession quickly and find Wirtz in pockets of space, Simeone’s low block may begin to creak. Salah will fancy his chances against Matteo Ruggeri, while Gakpo’s direct running could be crucial in creating overloads. The option of introducing Isak from the bench adds a late-game wildcard that could swing the tie.

Anfield has been the stage for countless European nights, and this one carries the same scent of occasion. Slot’s men have the talent to hurt Atletico, but patience and precision will be vital against such stubborn opposition.

Player to Watch: Ryan Gravenberch

Fresh off his man of the match display at Burnley, Gravenberch enters this clash in peak form. His ability to screen, recycle, and break lines will be central to Liverpool’s ability to dominate Atletico’s midfield pivot. If he can impose himself again, Liverpool will have the foundation to thrive.

Steven Smith’s Score Prediction:

Liverpool 2 – 1 Atletico Madrid