Anfield’s famous Kop will roar for Liverpool’s Group Stage opener against Atlético Madrid, a repeat of last season’s quarterfinal clash that saw the Reds overturn a first-leg deficit to reach the semis. Arne Slot’s side hit the Premier League running with four wins in a row. At the same time, Atlético arrived after two consecutive draws in La Liga, which raised questions about their defensive stability under Diego Simeone.
Where to Watch Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid
Fans in the United Kingdom can catch the live broadcast on TNT Sports and Sky Sports Main Event. United States viewers have coverage via Paramount+ and TNT Sports. Indian supporters should tune into Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV. Kick-off is set for 8:00 PM BST, 3:00 PM ET, 12:00 PM PT, and 12:30 AM IST (Wednesday).
Probable Starting Lineups
Liverpool
GK: Alisson Becker
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson
Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endō, Dominik Szoboszlai
Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, Diogo Jota
Atlético Madrid
GK: Jan Oblak
Defenders: Nahuel Molina, José María Giménez, Mario Hermoso, Renan Lodi
Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Koke, Thomas Lemar
Forwards: Antoine Griezmann, Álvaro Morata, João Félix
Beginning our @ChampionsLeague campaign under the lights at Anfield 💪🔴#UCL pic.twitter.com/tupJyY8ZxM
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 17, 2025
Current Form
Liverpool arrives in the Champions League with four back-to-back Premier League victories. Atlético Madrid have collected five points from their opening four La Liga fixtures, but a 1-1 draw at Getafe exposed issues in both full-back areas and a lack of sharpness in attack.
Key Battles in Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid
Mohamed Salah vs Nahuel Molina
Salah’s lightning-quick bursts into the half-spaces will test Molina’s recovery pace and decision-making under pressure. Salah thrives on receiving the ball between the lines, so Molina must balance stepping out to close him down with the risk of leaving space behind.
Andy Robertson vs Antoine Griezmann
The Scottish full-back’s overlaps and crossing ability clash with Griezmann’s versatility in movement and finishing. Robertson’s willingness to join attacks means Griezmann must track his runs diligently before switching to exploit gaps left by Robertson’s press.
📍 Anfield pic.twitter.com/wulMgZHZL3
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) September 16, 2025
Virgil van Dijk vs Álvaro Morata
Van Dijk’s aerial dominance and positioning will be challenged by Morata’s intelligent runs and physical hold-up play. Morata excels at dropping deep to link with midfielders, so Van Dijk need to combine with Konaté to neutralize both the Spaniard’s movement and his teammates’ support.
Alexis Mac Allister vs Koke
Mac Allister’s box-to-box driving runs and knack for late strikes will be up against Koke’s game-reading and passing range. Koke aims to cut out Liverpool’s counters while Mac Allister looks to break lines with direct dribbles and through balls.
Diogo Jota vs José María Giménez
Jota can open up space for Salah and Núñez, or turn defence into attack by winning fouls in dangerous areas. Giménez must remain tight without diving into tackles that could be exploited by quick combinations.
Tactical Analysis
Liverpool will press aggressively in Simeone’s half, seeking to force errors and attack with rapid vertical passes into the front three. Full-back rotations will overload the flanks before cutting back inside, while midfield runners offer arriving support. Atlético rely on a compact block, aiming to frustrate Liverpool’s rhythm before breaking with swift counterattacks via De Paul and Lemar. Set pieces remain a key weapon for both teams, with dead-ball deliveries from Mac Allister and Koke likely to create scoring chances.
Prediction for Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid
Anfield atmosphere and Liverpool’s attacking cohesion give them the upper hand, but Atlético’s counterattacking threat means this will be far from straightforward. Expect a tense first half with few clear openings before Liverpool pull ahead through a late Salah finish, securing a 2-0 victory that sends a warning to the rest of the group.
