The teams stride out onto a floodlit Anfield pitch. So, after an airing for the iconic Champions League anthem, kick-off will be just moments away!
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Simeone makes three changes to the Atleti team that started in Bilbao, with Alvarez finally making his first start of the season after a protracted transfer saga came to nothing. Quickly returning to England, ex-Tottenham captain Romero makes his full debut, while Koke will skipper the side from midfield. Hjulmand, Grimaldo and Lookman all drop down to the bench; Alexander Sorloth is still sidelined by injury.
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Liverpool’s latest big-money makes his full debut, as Barcola replaces the injured Cody Gakpo, and Ngumoha also comes in for Munoz. The latter, aged 18 years and 11 days, becomes the youngest player to start a European Cup or Champions League match for the Reds.
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SUBS: Juan Musso, Obed Vargas, Rodrigo Mendoza, Johnny Cardoso, Ademola Lookman, Jonathan David, Alejandro Grimaldo, Morten Hjulmand, Robin Le Normand, Jorge Dominguez, Dani Martinez, Jorge Castillo.
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ATLETICO MADRID (4-4-2): Jan Oblak; Marcos Llorente, Cristian Romero, Marc Pubill, David Hancko; Giuliano Simeone, Pablo Barrios, Koke, Alex Baena; Lee Kang-In, Julian Alvarez.
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SUBS: Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman, Kostas Tsimikas, Victor Munoz, Jeremie Frimpong, Ryan Gravenberch, Trey Nyoni, Luke Chambers, James McConnell, Lewis Koumas, Jayden Danns.
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LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Alisson Becker; Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai; Rio Ngumoha, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola; Alexander Isak.
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Indeed, Atleti have lost all of their last three games against Liverpool. Iraola is a rookie at this level, but the Spanish side are embarking on 14th consecutive Champions League campaign under Diego Simeone - they are one of only six clubs to feature in every edition since 2013-14. While Liverpool saw off Ipswich Town in their last Premier League fixture, Los Colchoneros were beaten 3-0 by LaLiga rivals Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, suffering their first defeat of the season.
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Starting a new era, today marks Liverpool’s first Champions League campaign not to feature Mohamed Salah since 2017-18, while new boss Andoni Iraola is making his dugout debut in this competition. Six-time continental champions, the Reds have never lost their opening game when playing at home, winning 10 of 12 matches to date. Each of the last three have been 3-2 victories, with the most recent against Atletico Madrid last season, when Virgil van Dijk scored a dramatic late winner.
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Hello and welcome to live coverage of today's Champions League clash between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid, as the familiar pair meet again at Anfield!
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MISS! An early surge forward by Szoboszlai takes him at least 50 yards up the pitch, before he neatly lays a pass off to Isak. The Swedish striker tries his luck from the edge of the box, but his low shot runs well wide of the left-hand post!
1'
Just under a year since they last met here, Atleti kick off this clash with Liverpool. We are under way at Anfield!
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It's been a bright start by the hosts, with Szoboszlai continuing to make his influence felt in midfield. The Hungary international led all Liverpool players in the Champions League last season for goals (five), assists (four), distance covered (130km) and possession won (85).
3'
Alvarez exchanges passes with Lee on the left edge of Liverpool's area, then skips over two tackles and arrows a low shot at goal. However, it's sent too close to Alisson, who makes a very straightforward save.
5'
There's almost a flashpoint near the touchline, as several players - most notably, Mac Allister and Koke - fly into aggressive challenges. The referee does well to quell any rising anger, and Liverpool restart play with a free-kick.
7'
As things stand, Liverpool are clear favourites to prevail tonight, with a 52% chance of victory. According to Opta's live win predictor, Atleti currently have a 23% chance of claiming maximum points on the opening matchday.
9'
Wirtz plays a corner short to Kerkez on the left, and the latter lays possession off to Szoboszlai, who dances past two men before tumbling into the area. Romero was close by, but the referee was never going to award a penalty.
11'
From around 20 yards out, Baena slices a rising shot high over the crossbar. He's already scored three times in four games this term, but that was certainly not his best effort.
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From around 20 yards out, Baena collects Koke's pass and slices a rising shot high over the crossbar. He's already scored three times in four games this term, but that was certainly not his best effort.
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Barcola latches on to a long pass up from the back, taking the ball in his stride before hitting the right byline. Oblak has read the move, though, and races out to block the French forward's cross-shot.
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Goal Marcos Llorente
17'
Assist Julián Alvarez
17'
GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL!!!! ATLETI LEAD AT ANFIELD! Fed by a delicate throughball from Alvarez, Llorente sees off Kerkez and lofts his shot over an exposed Alisson, hitting the back of the net! Incredibly, he has now scored four goals in three appearances at this famous stadium. The visitors are 1-0 up in Liverpool!
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A promising attack is ended by the referee's whistle, as Ngumoha is penalised for handball. Isak had been threatening down the left-hand side too, as Liverpool seek chances to quickly equalise.
20'
On his return to the starting XI after several weeks of speculation, Alvarez shows his class by neatly picking out Llorente's run through the centre.
17'
A collective groan rings out around the stands, as Barcola is pulled up for tugging Simeone's shirt, after the latter cleverly uses his body to draw the foul. It's going perfectly to plan for the visitors so far.
22'
Following his assist today, only Harry Kane (44), Kylian Mbappe (43), Vinicius Junior (42) and Erling Haaland (38) have more goal involvements in the Champions League since the start of 2022-23 than Alvarez (35; 25 goals and 10 assists). That's why Barcelona and Arsenal were so keen to secure his services.
24'
Though nothing comes from a Szoboszlai corner, Liverpool soon regain possession and start building again. The hosts haven't created much at all since Isak's very early chance.
26'
SUPER SAVE! What a stop! Alisson denies Alvarez at full stretch! Atleti's danger man picks up possession on the left and launches a fierce strike towards the target. However, it's kept out by the big Brazilian goalkeeper!
27'
Yellow Card Alexis Mac Allister
28'
Having caught Lee with his studs, Mac Allister receives a yellow card - that's the first booking of this fiercely fought contest.
28'
CHANCE! Barcola glides forward with a 40-yard run, then switches play out to Isak on the left. The Swedish striker delivers a perfect cross to Wirtz, who is arriving in the centre of the area, but his close-range shot is kept out by Oblak. The assistant's flag is then raised to indicate that Isak was ever so slightly offside.
30'
When Ngumoha's speculative curling cross from the left skips through a valley of black Atleti shirts, Araujo steals in on the right byline and manages to keep it alive. However, Oblak quickly pounces on the loose ball.
33'
So far, Atletico Madrid are edging the possession stats at Anfield - with 51% - and their intense approach has left Liverpool unsettled. Can the Reds find their feet and get back on level terms before the break?
35'
Opening goalscorer Llorente uses all his experience to match Ngumoha's raw speed, snuffing out a dangerous attack and keeping the ball in play near the byline. However, Atleti then concede a corner anyway, as Llorente charges down a Kerkez cross.
37'
Without carving their visitors open, Liverpool are starting to take charge, as Atleti inevitably drop back and protect their slim lead ahead of half-time.
39'
Goal Dominik Szoboszlai
40'
Assist Ronald Araujo
40'
GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL!!!! LIVERPOOL ARE LEVEL! It's 1-1 at Anfield! After Kerkez sparks an attack, Liverpool seem to have lost their chance when Barcola sees his angled shot stopped by the legs of Oblak. Undeterred, the Reds recycle possession inside Atleti's area, and Araujo tees up Szoboszlai with a clever flick. The latter takes one quick touch to shift the ball, then picks out the bottom-left corner!
40'
CLOSE! Baena should score! Almost straight from the restart, Barrios drives to the right byline and finds Baena just inside the area. The winger's first-time shot is not clean, though, and it skips just a few feet wide of the left-hand post!
42'
Isak stays down after a typically hefty challenge from Romero, and it looks like the striker took some studs on his boot. As a result, he has to head for the touchline - it'll be at least one minute before he can return.
44'
HALF-TIME: LIVERPOOL 1-1 ATLETICO MADRID
45'
Isak returns as tackles continue to fly in, and Szoboszlai now makes strong contact on Lee. This clash is nearing boiling point, just as the half-time whistle approaches.
45'
A close-fought - and fiercely contested - first half draws to a close with the scoreline all square again: it's Liverpool 1-1 Atletico Madrid at the break. Though the hosts started brightly and could've led within a minute if Isak had finished clinically, Atleti looked more dangerous for the following period, and they were rewarded when Llorente scored his fifth career goal at Anfield. Alisson then made a superb stop to deny Alvarez, who had set up Llorente's opener, as the Reds struggled to get a grip on proceedings. However, Atleti dropped a little deeper as half-time approached, and Szoboszlai found a way through their packed defence with the help of a smart flick by Araujo. Both sides have had six attempts, but Liverpool lead on xG with 0.83 to the visitors' 0.55 so far, and it's all set up perfectly for a lively second half.
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Improvising in the opposition area, Liverpool right-back Araujo flicks the ball past his marker and frees Szoboszlai to shoot.
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Atletico Madrid have lost just one of the last 13 Champions League games in which they've scored the opening goal (W10 D2) - a 2-1 loss to giant-killers Bodo/Glimt in January. Given that context, it would be some feat for Liverpool to turn this match around, but Szoboszlai could hold the key to any comeback. He's been their best player so far, with a goal, three chances created and three dribbles completed; meanwhile, no player has won possession more often tonight (four).
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Liverpool kick off, and we're back under way at Anfield!
46'
Szoboszlai delivers his latest corner, this time from the right. Instead of tossing it into the box, he goes short to Wirtz, who lays the ball back to Mac Allister. The latter's clipped cross arrives just behind Araujo, who can only send his header well wide of the right-hand post.
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Goal Alexis Mac Allister
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Assist Alexander Isak
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MISS! Under pressure from his international team-mate Romero, Mac Allister makes an important clearing header from Baena's corner. Liverpool then break at top speed, and Wirtz slides a lovely ball through to Barcola. However, the French forward's low finish slips narrowly wide of the left-hand post!
49'
GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!! LIVERPOOL LEAD 2-1! What a hit by Mac Aliister, who scores his 20th goal for the Reds! When the ball strikes Isak and runs nicely to him on the edge of the area, he drills an unstoppable shot past Oblak and into the bottom-left corner! The comeback is complete!
50'
Yellow Card Marc Pubill
51'
Unable to compete with the sheer pace of Ngumoha near the touchline, Pubill clumsily hacks down the Liverpool winger and picks up a yellow card.
51'
Having dropped to 28% when Llorente scored Atleti's goal, Liverpool now have a 77% chance of claiming victory in this league-phase opener. The momentum is all on their side, but Simeone's side still have plenty of time to draw level.
54'
Simeone unleashes a volley of complaint towards the officials when Araujo arrives late into a challenge on the visitors star man Alvarez. Fortunately, the Argentina striker is ultimately able to continue after treatment, while Araujo escapes a booking.
After pulling up sharply, Barcola stays down, clutching his calf. This doesn't look great for the Liverpool winger, and he may not be able to carry on.
58'
Substitution Bradley Barcola Víctor Muñoz
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Substitution Rio Ngumoha Jeremie Frimpong
60'
Grimaldo is also introduced, taking the place of Lee.
59'
While Barcola is looked over by Liverpool's medics, Atletico Madrid make a double change. First, Lookman replaces captain Koke.
59'
Iraola responds by making two substitutions of his own. First, Frimpong replaces Ngumoha, who became Liverpool's youngest starter in the Champions League.
60'
Barcola can't carry on, so Munoz is sent on to take his place on the wing.
60'
An outswinging corner from the right by Baena is comfortably dealt with by Van Dijk, who heads the ball clear of immediate danger. Since half-time, Atleti have created zero xG and failed to test Alisson with a shot - could David be sent on to help out Alvarez?
62'
Szoboszlai sends in another corner. Under pressure near the penalty spot, Araujo clears the crossbar by several yards with a rising header.
64'
Atleti are starting to probe, with Lookman and then Simeone both being shut down inside the box. For all Liverpool's supremacy since the interval, their lead remains slim and there's around half an hour left on the clock.
66'
Adding an assist to his Champions League record, Isak is hardly aware when the ball strikes his leg inside the area, before running into the path of Mac Allister.
50'
After flicking on Grimaldo's cross, Alvarez eventually receives the ball back from Simeone on the brink of the box. However, he can't quite set himself to take a clean strike, only prodding a tame attempt straight at Alisson.
68'
Substitution Alexis Mac Allister Ryan Gravenberch
69'
Receiving warm applause from the home fans, Mac Allister's shift is over. The potential match-winner will be replaced by Gravenberch for the closing stages.
69'
Substitution Álex Baena Jonathan David
73'
A handball by Gravenberch, who is being pressure by Baena, gifts Atletico Madrid a free-kick in a central area, around 35 yards from goal. However, Simeone then shanks his cross from a lofted Alvarez delivery straight over the right byline.
72'
Though he's proved a lively presence throughout, Baena has not quite produced the right finish or final ball. He now makes way for Canada striker David.
73'
Substitution Pablo Barrios Morten Hjulmand
77'
Substitution Cristian Romero Robin Le Normand
77'
His switch to Juventus hasn't quite worked out - which explains why he's currently on loan in Madrid - but David did score on his only previous visit to Anfield, as a Lille player in January 2025.
74'
Simeone turns to his bench once again; Atleti use their final two substitutes. First, Romero is replaced by Le Normand.
77'
There's also a late change in midfield, as Hjulmand runs on and Barrios jogs off.
77'
Szoboszlai sends in his latest corner-kick from the left, whipping it into the six-yard box with some pace. Le Normand reads it, though, and makes a powerful clearing header.
79'
GREAT BLOCK! Le Normand does well again! Shifting his body into the path of Isak's 10-yard shot, the Atletico Madrid substitute keeps their hopes alive!
80'
Alvarez earns his side a corner, which Grimaldo then tees up on the left. The substitute's delivery finds Hancko at the near post, but the latter's glancing header rises high over the crossbar - it was a very tight angle.
82'
From the hour mark to the 75th minute, Atleti had a 71% share of possession, and they're continuing to push Liverpool back in search of an equaliser. The hosts seem to have run out of steam.
84'
When Lookman steps away from Araujo and looks to drive the ball across Liverpool's area, the Barcelona-owned defender manages to recover with an important block - but only at the cost of a corner.
86'
Substitution Alexander Isak Lewis Koumas
88'
Substitution Milos Kerkez Kostas Tsimikas
88'
The assistant's flag is raised for offside in any case, as Pubill shoots well wide following Atleti's corner-kick. Before play can resume, Kerkez sits down on the turf and indicates that he can't carry on.
87'
Possibly owing to cramp, Kerkez must depart. Tsimikas is his replacement at left-back.
88'
Koumas is also introduced, replacing Isak.
88'
Oblak makes a sharp close-range stop to deny Munoz, before the ball breaks towards Frimpong. The Dutch winger quickly converts from a few yards out, but he was clearly offside - Atleti fans breathe again!
89'
A minimum of five minutes will be added to the end of this second half, so Liverpool still have some work to do. Can Atleti create one more chance to equalise, or will they suffer a fourth straight defeat to the Reds?
90'
Lineups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1) coached by Andoni Iraola
Alexander Isak, Bradley Barcola, Florian Wirtz, Rio Ngumoha, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Milos Kerkez, Virgil van Dijk, Jérémy Jacquet, Ronald Araujo, Alisson
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2) coached by Diego Simeone
Lee Kang-in, Julian Alvarez, Álex Baena, Koke, Pablo Barrios, Giuliano Simeone, David Hancko, Cristian Romero, Marc Pubill, Marcos Llorente, Jan Oblak