Anfield could prove decisive once again: Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid prediction
The opening-round Champions League match between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid will take place on 9 September at Anfield. These teams also met at the start of last season's competition, when the Merseysiders snatched a 3-2 home victory thanks to Virgil van Dijk's 92nd-minute goal.
Liverpool: first win under Iraola and consistent attacking form
Andoni Iraola's side began the season with two 2-2 draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest before recording their first victory, a 2-0 win over Ipswich. Alexander Isak scored twice inside the opening nine minutes.
Liverpool have scored in their last nine competitive matches, finding the net at least twice in six of them. The Merseysiders have also won their last six Champions League league-phase matches against Spanish clubs.
Atletico Madrid: first defeat exposes problems
The Madrid side collected seven points from their opening three La Liga matches, but then suffered a painful 3-0 defeat to Athletic. Their performances after half-time are particularly concerning, with the team conceding six goals in the second halves of their last three matches.
However, Atletico rarely fail to score in the Champions League. They have drawn a blank in only two of their last 24 league-phase matches in the competition and have failed to score in just one of their previous five visits to Anfield.
Probable line-ups
- Liverpool: Alisson, Araújo, Jacquet, van Dijk, Kerkez, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Barcola, Wirtz, Gakpo, Isak.
- Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Llorente, Pubill, Romero, Grimaldo, Koke, Hjulmand, Simeone, Baena, Lookman, David.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Liverpool have scored in their last nine competitive matches across all competitions.
- Atletico have never beaten an English team in the group or league phase of the Champions League — four draws and six defeats.
- Liverpool beat Atletico 3-2 at Anfield in last year's meeting.
The hosts can overpower their opponents through their attack: Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid prediction
Both teams are still making plenty of defensive mistakes, so a completely cagey contest looks unlikely. Atletico are capable of exploiting the spaces and scoring, especially given the hosts' personnel problems.
However, Liverpool look stronger at home, while Barcola's arrival should add even more variety to the attack. Backed by the Anfield crowd, Iraola's side have a good chance of edging a tense match by a narrow margin.
