Liverpool prepares for Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid

Liverpool hosts Atletico Madrid on Wednesday for the opening match of the 2026-2027 Champions League campaign. The fixture marks the European debut for head coach Andoni Iraola at Anfield. Liverpool enters the contest following a domestic win against Ipswich, while Atletico Madrid arrives as a physically challenging opponent under the management of Diego Simeone. Previous meetings between the clubs include three Liverpool victories and two for Atletico across seven prior Champions League encounters. The Liverpool squad features experienced additions in Bradley Barcola and Ronald Araujo alongside captain Virgil van Dijk to support Iraola in his first European appearance as a coach.

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