Simeone prepares Atletico Madrid for Champions League opener against Liverpool

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone expects his team to improve as they prepare for their Champions League opener against Liverpool this Wednesday. The club aims to reach the final, which is scheduled to be held at the Metropolitano Stadium. Atletico enters the match following a 3-0 loss to Athletic Bilbao that left the club five points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona. Preparations have been complicated by late arrivals of players from national team duties and uncertainty regarding the future of forward Julian Alvarez. Despite these challenges and recent defensive lapses in league play, Simeone remains focused on establishing rhythm. The manager confirmed that while Julian Alvarez will not start at Anfield, he may contribute during the match. Last season, the sides met at the same venue where a late Virgil van Dijk goal resulted in a 3-2 defeat for the visitors.

• 7:08 PMYahoo Sports — Atletico have work to do to reach home Champions League final: Simeone