Julian Alvarez headlines Atletico Madrid squad for Liverpool clash | OneFootball

Julian Alvarez has been named in Atletico Madrid's travelling squad for Wednesday's Champions League opener at Liverpool. According to Goal.com, Simeone has included the forward in a strong group after recent summer speculation.

Alvarez recently returned to action as a second-half substitute in the 3-0 defeat at Athletic Club. He briefly missed training amid Barcelona interest before Atletico stood firm on his release clause.

Atletico left Barajas Airport at 10:00 AM, landed on Merseyside around 12:20 PM, then set up base at The Municipal Hotel. Simeone and a player are scheduled to address the media at 5:45 PM, followed by an open training session at Anfield at 6:30 PM.

Simeone is without only two players, Alexander Sorloth continuing injury rehabilitation and Arnau Ortiz serving a suspension dating back to August 2024. First-team figures Jan Oblak, Koke, Cuti Romero, Jonathan David and Ademola Lookman are all included.

This is the second successive season Atletico start away to Liverpool. The Reds have won the last three Champions League meetings, while Atletico have never lost four in a row to the same European opponent. New Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola is winless in four against Simeone, three defeats and one draw.

Atletico aim to respond to their domestic setback and avoid a repeat of last season's 3-2 defeat at Anfield. Liverpool have never lost an opening home match in the European Cup or Champions League across 12 fixtures. Defensive resilience will be paramount to claim early league-phase points.

Source: Goal.com

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