Liverpool return to the Champions League with confidence after another dramatic Premier League win at the weekend. Mohamed Salah’s stoppage-time penalty against Burnley kept their perfect domestic record intact, making it four victories from four league matches this season.
Softfootball reports that every one of those wins has come courtesy of goals scored after the 80th minute, a trend that has injected belief and resilience into Arne Slot’s new-look side. Yet even the Dutch coach will admit his team cannot live off late drama forever, and a more controlled performance will be needed under the lights at Anfield.
The Reds can take encouragement from their European form last season, when they topped the league phase and swept aside opponents at home with a combined score of 10-1.
Their record against Spanish opposition is strong too, with four consecutive group-stage wins, including a memorable triumph over Real Madrid. Anfield has long been a difficult venue for visiting teams, and the Kop will expect another intense performance to set the tone for their 17th season in the competition.
Arne Slot, in his pre-match interview, revealed that Alexander Isak could start for the Reds in this encounter, and with the team sheet now available, the Sweden number 9 leads the line under the bright lights of Anfield.
Liverpool’s starting XI via the club’s official X handle:
Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, have had a stuttering start to their La Liga campaign but arrive on Merseyside in better spirits after beating Villarreal 2-0 on Saturday. This will be their 13th consecutive Champions League campaign under Diego Simeone, and history suggests they tend to begin well, having lost only one of their last ten opening fixtures. Their success last year was built on strong away performances, with three consecutive wins on the road in the group stage.
Atletico Madrid’s official XI uploaded via the team’s X account:
Both sides are managing fitness concerns, with Liverpool leaving Alexis Mac Allister on the bench, while Atlético are without José María Giménez and Álex Baena. With Anfield buzzing and both teams carrying threats, this promises to be a tight encounter, but Liverpool’s recent habit of finding decisive moments may once again tilt the balance their way.
