2026–2027 Champions League: Liverpool vs. Atlético Madrid—Probable Lineups

Liverpool and Atlético Madrid face off at 9 p.m. at Anfield in a match for the first round of the Champions League group stage. Given the caliber of the two teams, this is one of the most intriguing matchups on Wednesday night: the Reds, dealing with several absences, have had a slow start to the league season with two draws and one win; Simeone’s team has also had a shaky start, coming off a heavy defeat in Bilbao.

Liverpool: Barcola could start right away if he beats out Gakpo for the spot; Wirtz and Muñoz are also in the attacking midfield. Up front, Isak serves as the focal point. The midfield is entrusted to the experienced Szoboszlai and Mac Allister, with Frimpong and Kerkez on the wings.

The Colchoneros will feature the Lee-Baena attacking duo, supported on the wings by Giuliano Simeone and Lookman. In midfield, Barrios will partner with Hjulmand, while the fullbacks are Llorente and Grimaldo. Jonathan David and Julian Alvarez are still not in top form, and Sorloth is unavailable.

Liverpool vs. Atlético Madrid: Probable Lineups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Muñoz, Wirtz, Barcola; Isak. Coach: Iraola.
Atlético de Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak; Marcos Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Grimaldo; Giuliano Simeone, Hjulmand, Barrios, Lookman; Lee, Álex Baena. Head Coach: Simeone.

For now, Jonathan David is out for Simeone, who summed up the situation in the attack during a press conference: “Jonathan just arrived. Julián is still developing, and I don’t see him ready to start tomorrow. I’m sure, however, that he’ll help us out during the game. Sorloth is recovering and is very important to us. He brings qualities that we don’t currently have within the team.”