Liverpool begin their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign with a heavyweight clash against Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday night.
ALSO READ: Champions League 2026/27: Real Madrid vs Inter Prediction.
The Reds head into Europe with renewed confidence after Alexander Isak scored twice in a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town on Friday, handing Andoni Iraola his first Premier League win as Liverpool manager following back-to-back draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.
Atletico arrive on Merseyside needing a response of their own. Diego Simeone’s men suffered their first LaLiga defeat of the season when they were beaten 3-0 by Athletic Club on Saturday, ending what had otherwise been an unbeaten start.
These teams also know each other well. Liverpool beat Atletico 3-2 at Anfield on Matchday 1 last season, and another fascinating European night awaits.
Betting Preview
Liverpool’s first few weeks under Iraola haven’t been straightforward, but Friday’s victory over Ipswich offered signs that things are beginning to click.
The Reds opened their Premier League campaign with consecutive 2-2 draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, twice having to recover from losing positions. That raised early questions about Liverpool’s defensive vulnerability under their new manager.
The response against Ipswich was considerably more convincing.
Isak scored twice inside the opening nine minutes to put Liverpool in control, while Iraola’s side recorded their first clean sheet of the season in a 2-0 victory.
Isak’s form is particularly encouraging ahead of Wednesday. The Swedish striker has already scored three Premier League goals this season and will be expected to lead the line at Anfield.
Cody Gakpo has also started strongly, recording one goal and three assists in the league, while Liverpool could hand Bradley Barcola his first start following his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain.
This is, however, the beginning of a new European era for Liverpool.
For the first time since 2014/15, the Reds enter a Champions League campaign without Mohamed Salah. Iraola is also preparing to manage his first game in Europe’s premier club competition.
His opposite number couldn’t provide a greater contrast.
Simeone has been Atletico manager since 2011 and has twice taken the Spanish club to the Champions League final. Last season, Atletico reached the semi-finals before being narrowly eliminated by Arsenal.
Their start to the current campaign has been mixed.
Atletico collected seven points from their opening three La Liga games before things went badly wrong against Athletic Club. Two goals immediately after half-time put Simeone’s men in serious trouble before the hosts completed a comprehensive 3-0 victory.
It means Atletico have now conceded six second-half goals across their last three league matches, an unusual statistic for a team historically associated with defensive organisation.
There is also considerable intrigue surrounding Julian Alvarez.
The Argentine was Atletico’s leading Champions League scorer last season with 10 goals but has had a difficult summer after being denied a move away from the club. Alvarez came off the bench against Athletic and could return to Simeone’s starting XI at Anfield.
Alexander Sørloth is expected to miss the match through injury, potentially increasing the likelihood of Alvarez playing a significant role.
Liverpool have injury concerns of their own. Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez are unavailable, while Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo weren’t included in the club’s Champions League squad.
Despite those absences, Liverpool should enter Wednesday as favourites.
Anfield has traditionally been a difficult place for Atletico, and the Reds have won their last three Champions League meetings with Simeone’s side.
Recent Form & Stats
- Liverpool are unbeaten in their opening three Premier League matches, recording one win and two draws.
- Alexander Isak scored twice against Ipswich and has three Premier League goals this season.
- Liverpool have scored in their last nine competitive matches across all competitions.
- Liverpool have never lost their opening European Cup or Champions League match when playing at home, winning 10 and drawing two.
- Liverpool have also won their last three Champions League meetings with Atletico Madrid.
- Simeone’s side have conceded six second-half goals across their last three league matches.
- Julián Alvarez scored 10 Champions League goals last season, more than any other Atletico player.
- Both teams scored in 13 of Atletico’s 16 Champions League matches last season.
- Liverpool beat Atletico 3-2 at Anfield on Matchday 1 last season, with Virgil van Dijk scoring a late winner.
- Marcos Llorente has scored four goals in just two appearances at Anfield.
Best Bets & Predictions
Prediction: Liverpool to win at 1.71.
Best Bet: Alexander Isak to score anytime at 2.35.
Alternative Bet: Liverpool to win & BTTS at 3.00.
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