Liverpool are set to host Atletico Madrid in their UEFA Champions League opener at Anfield on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. The Reds are looking to build momentum following a dismal start to the season while Atletico are seeking for consistency after a hot and cold start. Liverpool began the 2026/27 in a disappointing fashion following successive 2-2 draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest under new head coach Andoni Iraola.
The Reds, however, got their first win of the campaign on Friday night after defeating newly-promoted side, Ipswich Town 2-0 to get their season up and running. Liverpool will be looking to build on that triumph against a side they have a little bit of history with in their Champions League opener. Atletico kickstarted their season with a 2-0 win at home against Malaga before playing out a 2-2 draw with Villarreal.
Los Rojiblancos returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory away at Sevilla which was followed by a stunning 3-0 loss to Athletic Club over the weekend. Diego Simeone’s side will be hoping to put the disappointing defeat behind them as they travel to England for their first Champions League game.
Liverpool have played Atletico Madrid nine times with the Reds claiming four victories to Atleti’s three while two matches have ended in both sides sharing the spoils. The two teams’ last meeting came in this competition’s opener last season where Liverpool won 3-2. The Reds race through a 2-0 lead in the first 10 minutes courtesy of Andrew Robertson and Mohamed Salah in the fourth and sixth minute respectively.
Atletico came back via Marcos Llorente’s brace before Virgil van Dijk gave Liverpool the win two minutes into the second half additional time.