Liverpool and Atlético Madrid will battle it out at Anfield on matchday one of the Champions League and this clash is one of the standout fixtures of the week.
Liverpool are still a work in progress under Andoni Iraola
The Reds recorded their first Premier League victory of the season last Friday, defeating Ipswich 2-0 at Portman Road. It was a solid, rather than spectacular, display. All that mattered, however, was securing three points, and this should prove the catalyst for improved displays.
The performances of Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak were particularly impressive against Ipswich. The Dutchman provided the assists for both of Isak’s goals, taking his tally for the season to four goal contributions (one goal and three assists).
Isak’s brace was the first time he scored twice in a single game for Liverpool since joining. There is still plenty of work to do, but this will be a confidence booster nevertheless.
This clash against Atlético is arguably one of their more difficult tests in the Champions League this term, with the trip to the San Siro to face Inter Milan ranking higher.
The Anfield side do have a positive head-to-head record against their opponents, winning their previous three games against the Spaniards.
Iraola will be hoping that run extends to four.
Atlético Madrid eyeing another deep run
Whatever people think of Diego Simeone’s style of football, it certainly gets results. Last season, Atlético reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, losing to a spirited Arsenal side to miss out on the final.
The Spanish outfit also lost the Copa Del Rey final and it looks increasingly likely that Simeone’s time at the club is drawing to a close. How good would it be, then, for him to finally lead his side to a maiden Champions League crown.
Atlético have endured a mixed start to their LaLiga campaign heading into this first European game, winning two of their first four fixtures while suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Athletic Club last weekend.
Given Barcelona’s impressive start to the campaign, it appears as though Atletico will be fighting it out with rivals Real Madrid for second place.
As such, the Champions League could prove to be an effective distraction, as it was last year, for Simeone and his men.
They have the talent and a manager who knows what it takes to reach the final of this competition. A win at Anfield would set them up nicely for the remaining seven fixtures.
Team news
Hugo Ekitiké, Conor Bradley and Geovanni Leoni remain missing for Liverpool due to long-term injuries, while Joe Gomez could also miss this clash. Both Federico Chiesa and Waturu Endo were left out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad for the group stages.
Forward Alexander Sørloth will miss the clash for Atlético, while Arnau Ortiz is suspended. Simeone will likely make a few changes to the starting XI that suffered defeat in Bilbao, potentially bringing in Jonathan David and Koke at Anfield.
Prediction
Given the mixed starts to the season by both teams entering this clash, it could well be a nervy opening period, with both sides figuring each other out.
Hopefully the match will open up, especially as both Iraola and Simeone will be keen on getting off to a perfect start to the Champions League.
Liverpool’s recent head-to-head record against their Spanish opponents should give them plenty of confidence heading into this tie and for that reason, I’m backing Iraola and his men to grab another morale-boosting victory.
Liverpool 2 – 1 Atlético Madrid.
