Liverpool beat Atlético Madrid home and away in the group stages four years ago, but this came 18 months after los Colchoneros memorable eliminated the holders, prevailing 3-2 at Anfield just before the Covid-19 lockdown.
Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid preview
Will Liverpool continue their perfect start to the season? So far, it has been a campaign defined by late goals for Arne Slot's side, winning all four Premier League matches to date, scoring a winner in the 83rd minute or later each time. On Sunday, the Reds took this to the extreme, requiring a 94th minute penalty to defeat Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor, expertly converted by Mohamed Salah. This follows late victories over Bournemouth, Newcastle and Arsenal, leaving them top of the table.
In the Champions League meantime, Liverpool were the first team ever to top the new league phase, winning each of their first seven fixtures last year, before a dead-rubber defeat to PSV Eindhoven in January. However, their reward was a round of 16 date with Paris Saint-Germain, dumped out by the eventual winners on penalties. This year, they'll also welcome Real Madrid, PSV and Qarabağ to Merseyside, while also facing away trips to Galatasaray, Frankfurt, Inter and Marseille. So, will the Premier League champions and leaders commence with three points on Wednesday?
As for Atlético Madrid, they've made a far more inauspicious start to their bid to become La Liga champions. Los Colchoneros failed to win any of their first three matches to start a season for the first time since 2009 and, in truth, they didn't even have particularly tough fixtures. Despite taking the lead through Julián Álvarez's free-kick, Atleti were beaten 2-1 by Espanyol on the opening weekend, before enduring successive 1-1 draws with newly-promoted Elche and then Alavés at Mendizorrotza.
On Saturday night, Diego Simeone's side finally got their campaign up and running, beating Villarreal 2-0 at the Metropolitano, with Pablo Barrios and then debutant Nicolás González scoring towards the start of each half. Nevertheless, already, Atlético find themselves seven points adrift leaders Real Madrid, who they host a surely must win derby later this month. In the Champions League, los Rojiblancos will welcome Frankfurt, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Inter and Bodø/Glimt to the Spanish capital, traveling to Arsenal, PSV and Galatasaray. Thus, they'll certainly need to improve if they're to match last season's fifth place finish, massive underdogs to leave Anfield with anything.
Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 8.
- Liverpool Wins: 3. Draws: 2. Atlético Madrid Wins: 3.
Liverpool team news
With a Merseyside derby to come in Saturday's early kick off, expect Arne Slot to rotate his team.
Miloš Kerkez was hooked during the first half at Turf Moor, with Alexis Mac Allister replaced at half time, so, as was the case in the second 45 against Burnley, Conor Bradley could start at right-back, chosen over fit again Jeremie Frimpong, with Dominik Szoboszlai returning to midfield.
We have though buried the lead because British transfer record signing Alexander Isak was not even on the bench at the weekend, Slot citing a lack of match sharpness, but he will be among the substitutes here, so will we see the Swede in a reed shirt for the very first time? Federico Chiesa cannot feature however, as he was not included in the UEFA squad.
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Atlético Madrid: (4-3-3): Alisson; Bradley, Konaté, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Salah, Ekitiké, Gakpo.
Liverpool player to watch vs Atlético Madrid
Mohamed Salah scored twice at the Metropolitano when Liverpool and Atlético Madrid last met four years ago, so will the Egyptian add to his 247 goals for the Reds, 45 of which have come in the Champions League?
Atlético Madrid team news
Diego Simeone could be short of centre-back options. José María Giménez is sidelined while Robin Le Normand picked up a knock against Villarreal, so new signing Dávid Hancko could deputise.
Elsewhere, the manager's son Giuliano Simeone could start out wide, but there's no nepotism involved, he has been excellent since breaking into the side last season.
Striker Alexander Sørloth scored 24 goals last season, of which 14 were scored as a substitute, still unable to force his way into Cholo's first-choice line-up, so he'll once again be on the bench.
Atlético Madrid predicted lineup vs Liverpool: (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Hancko, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Koke, Johnny, Barrios, Giuliano; Griezmann, Álvarez.
Atlético Madrid player to watch vs Liverpool
Julián Álvarez scored twice against Liverpool during his Manchester City career, bagging 30 goals in 61 outings for Atleti to date, so could he be the hero at Anfield?
Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid prediction
We are backing Liverpool for a relatively comfortable victory, given that the Reds remain imperious, while Atlético have been unconvincing and underwhelming: Liverpool 2-0 Atlético Madrid.
Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid FAQs - UEFA Champions League
How to watch Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid in the Champions League on TV channel?
Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid in the Champions League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 1 & Ultimate.
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid in the Champions League on live streaming?
Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid in the Champions League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery+
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid in the Champions League?
Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid takes place on Wednesday 17 September 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (BST), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PDT).