Liverpool are set to begin their Champions League campaign today, 9 September 2026, hosting Atletico Madrid at Anfield. This match marks manager Andoni Iraola's first European fixture in charge.
The Reds will be without long-term injury absentees Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni, and Conor Bradley. Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo were also not included in the Champions League squad. Big-money signing Bradley Barcola, who joined from PSG for £125m, could make his first start, especially as Cody Gakpo missed training on Monday. Joe Gomez is a doubt with a muscle issue but did train.
For Atletico Madrid, Alexander Sorloth is out with a thigh injury, and Arnau Ortiz is suspended. Julian Alvarez, who reportedly sought a move away from the club in the summer, came on as a substitute in their recent game against Athletic Bilbao.
Liverpool secured a 3-2 victory against Atletico Madrid at Anfield in the opening match of last season's European campaign. Atletico Madrid enters this fixture following a 3-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.