Liverpool Clash with Atletico Madrid: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Liverpool aim to continue their flawless beginning to the 2025–26 campaign as they welcome Atlético Madrid for their Champions League debut on Wednesday night.
The Merseyside club has secured victories in all four Premier League matches this season, though they've required dramatic late moments to preserve their unblemished record. Yet another stoppage-time winner helped them overcome newly-promoted Burnley over the weekend, with Mohamed Salah stepping up confidently from twelve yards to secure triumph for the Reds at Turf Moor in added time.
Arne Slot understands that relying on such late drama cannot be sustained over the long haul and will be hoping to see a more commanding performance at home against Atlético in Liverpool's inaugural league phase match. The Dutch manager led the Reds to first place in last season's standings with seven wins from eight encounters, but Diego Simeone's cunning squad will present them with a substantial initial challenge this campaign.
Atlético approach Wednesday's encounter without particularly impressive form, having secured just one victory from their four La Liga fixtures this season. Their 2–0 triumph at home against Villarreal over the weekend kickstarted their campaign after a loss to Espanyol was followed by consecutive stalemates with Elche and Deportivo Alavés.
Los Rojiblancos possess vast European pedigree, though, and will have no hesitation traveling to Anfield midweek. They have fallen short in their previous two encounters with Liverpool but can draw confidence from eliminating the Reds from the Champions League in 2019–20 with a stunning 3–2 extra-time triumph on Merseyside.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the Champions League encounter.
What Time Does Liverpool vs. Atlético Madrid Kick Off?
Liverpool vs. Atlético Madrid Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Liverpool | Atlético Madrid |
|---|---|
Burnley 0–1 Liverpool - 14/09/25 | Atlético Madrid 2–0 Villarreal - 13/09/25 |
Liverpool 1–0 Arsenal - 31/08/25 | Alavés 1–1 Atlético Madrid - 30/08/25 |
Newcastle 2–3 Liverpool - 25/08/25 | Atlético Madrid 1–1 Elche - 23/08/25 |
Liverpool 4–2 Bournemouth - 15/08/25 | Espanyol 2–1 Atlético Madrid - 17/08/25 |
Crystal Palace 2–2 (3–2p) Liverpool - 10/08/25 | Newcastle 0–2 Atlético Madrid - 09/08/25 |
How to Watch Liverpool vs. Atlético Madrid on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United States | Paramount+, TUDN.com, Univision NOW, TUDN App, Amazon Prime Video, ViX, TUDN USA, UniMás |
United Kingdom | TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, discovery+, discovery+ App, Amazon Prime Video |
Canada | DAZN, Amazon Prime Video |
Mexico | Caliente TV, Amazon Prime Video |
Liverpool Team News
Liverpool will remain without Curtis Jones once more after the midfielder was absent for the Burnley match, though Alexis Mac Allister is anticipated to be fit despite receiving a harsh tackle from Lesley Ugochukwu over the weekend that forced his halftime substitution.
Focus will center on Alexander Isak again with the Swedish striker potentially making his bow in some form during the match. He encountered the Spanish side six times while at Real Sociedad, recording a goal and assist, and Slot has confirmed he can feature for at least 45 minutes in the upcoming contest.
Federico Chiesa was utilized as a substitute in Sunday's victory but will be unavailable on Wednesday following his exclusion from Liverpool's Champions League roster.
Youth prospect Jayden Danns might feature in the matchday selection after being spotted in senior training on Tuesday.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Atlético Madrid
Liverpool predicted lineup vs. Atlético (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitiké.
Atlético Madrid Team News
Los Colchoneros secured a crucial win over the weekend but it came at a price. The foursome of Julián Alvarez, Dávid Hancko, Robin Le Normand and Nicolás González all picked up fitness concerns in the encounter with Villarreal.
Defenders Hancko and Le Normand plus weekend scorer González are included in the traveling party for Wednesday's fixture, but Atlético will be missing former Manchester City forward Alvarez.
The Madrid outfit are already without Thiago Almada, José Giménez and Álex Baena due to injury, while Johnny Cardoso is another now sidelined after twisting his ankle during Monday's training session.
Atlético Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool
Atlético predicted lineup vs. Liverpool (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Simeone, Koke, Barrios, Gallagher; Griezmann, Sørloth.
Liverpool vs. Atlético Madrid Score Prediction
Liverpool have been blessed with their run of dramatic finishes but elite clubs discover ways to triumph even when performing below their peak. They will find it challenging to execute flowing, attacking football against Simeone's disciplined Atlético, but should again discover a path to maximum points.
Anfield transforms into something special on European evenings under the lights and the atmosphere will be electric this Wednesday. The passionate home support should provide a considerable advantage for the Reds, who boast an outstanding record on home soil.
Atlético can trouble Liverpool's defensive line, with the Reds having appeared vulnerable at the back lately, but without Julián Alvarez they will find it difficult to land a decisive blow. It could prove another frustrating evening for the Spaniards at the beginning of a disappointing season.
Prediction: Liverpool 2–0 Atlético Madrid