Liverpool Receive Boost Ahead of Champions League Clash with Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

Liverpool face Atletico Madrid as Champions League Returns

The UEFA Champions League returns with a fresh look this season, as the old group system makes way for a new league phase. Liverpool, under Arne Slot, begin their campaign at Anfield on Wednesday 17 September against Atletico Madrid, a fixture already rich with history and drama. Kick-off is set for 20:00 BST.

Early Memories and Unfinished Business

Atletico Madrid’s last trip to Anfield remains etched into European football folklore. In March 2020, Diego Simeone’s side stunned Liverpool in the Round of 16. After losing their first-leg advantage, Atletico responded with a 3-2 win after extra time, sealing a 4-2 aggregate triumph with decisive goals from Marcos Llorente and Álvaro Morata. That night brought an abrupt end to Liverpool’s title defence and showcased Atletico’s ability to thrive in hostile territory.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool arrive this time under different circumstances. Jurgen Klopp has departed, and his successor Slot has already delivered the Premier League in his debut season. The Dutchman’s side were knocked out of the Champions League last year by Paris Saint-Germain on penalties, and ambition is clear to go deeper this time. A convincing start against Atletico would help set the tone.

Atletico Madrid Setbacks

Simeone’s team enter this encounter struggling for rhythm in La Liga, where they have collected only two points from their first three matches. More troubling for the Spanish club is the absence of key players. Their £42.5 million summer signing Álex Baena has been sidelined following surgery.

An Atletico Madrid statement confirmed:

“Laparoscopic surgery took place normally and the player is well, waiting to begin his recovery in the next few days.”

“Alex Baena has been successfully intervened on Tuesday, September 2, of acute appendicitis.”

“Laparoscopic surgery took place normally and the player is well, but will remain admitted for the next few hours pending hospital discharge and is pending evolution for his return to training.”

Reports in Spain suggest Baena will miss several weeks, which rules him out of the clash with Liverpool. Central defender José María Giménez also remains unavailable due to a thigh problem dating back to the Club World Cup.

Liverpool’s Demanding Schedule

Liverpool supporters can already look ahead to a demanding run in the Champions League league phase. After Atletico Madrid, Slot’s men face trips to Galatasaray and Eintracht Frankfurt before hosting Real Madrid in early November. PSV, Inter Milan, Marseille and Qarabag also feature in what is an intense line-up of opponents.

The new format guarantees heavyweight ties across the competition, and Liverpool will be expected to navigate them with authority. Anfield has often provided a stage for stirring European nights, and Slot will know that momentum built in September could prove decisive by spring. Atletico Madrid, despite their injuries and stuttering form, remain a side built for moments like this, and Liverpool will need to be alert from the first whistle.