Liverpool required more late heroics to keep their 100% start to the season alive at the weekend, filling them with confidence ahead of Atlético Madrid’s visit in the UEFA Champions League, Softfootball reports.
The Reds edged newly-promoted Burnley 1-0 thanks to a stoppage-time penalty, the fourth game in a row they’ve sealed beyond the 80th minute. That resilience has carried them into their 17th Champions League season, with the Anfield faithful expecting another strong European campaign.
Their belief is justified too Liverpool won all four of their home league phase games last season by a commanding 10-1 aggregate, including a 2-0 victory over Atlético’s city rivals, Real Madrid.
Atlético Madrid arrive with renewed momentum after a sluggish start to the season. Winless in their first three matches , Diego Simeone’s men got back on track with a 2-0 win over Villarreal at the weekend.
This clash marks their 13th consecutive UCL campaign, and they usually start well, losing just one of their last ten opening games . Their away record should also provide encouragement, having won their final three league phase away matches last term.
Liverpool had back-to-back wins when these sides last met in the 2021/22 group stages. The Reds also boast four straight UCL league phase wins against Spanish opposition, while Atlético have beaten Premier League clubs just once in their last eight outings .
Team News
Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz has a habit of striking early, with all six of his UCL goals coming in the first half. Curtis Jones is a major doubt for Jürgen Klopp’s side, while Alexis Mac Allister’s fitness is in question after limping off against Burnley.
Meanwhile, Liverpool via its official X handle, took the fans down the memory lane, refreshing them with iconic photos of their past opening UCL matches over the years, see below;
For Atlético, Marcos Llorente has fond memories of Anfield after his 2020 double knocked Liverpool out he has never lost a match in which he scored.Atlético will be without José María Giménez through injury, and Álex Baena is sidelined following appendicitis.
Possible Lineups
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Atletico Madrid possible starting lineup:
Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Simeone, Barrios, Koke, Gonzalez; Griezmann, Sorloth
Atletico Madrid released an exclusive interview via the team’s official X handle,of club legend Antonine Griezmann speaking about the team’s goal for the season and the UCL opening match against Liverpool at the anfield, catch the interview below;
SoftFootball’s Prediction
Liverpool’s fortress-like home form makes them favourites, but Atlético’s resilience and renewed confidence under Simeone could make this tight. Expect goals after the break, with the Reds just narrowly egding it.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Atlético Madrid
