On Wednesday, September 17, at the iconic Anfield, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid kick off their UEFA Champions League campaign, with both sides eager to bounce back after last season’s disappointing European run. The home team must absolutely improve on last year’s performance when, after topping the single-league group stage, they were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Paris Saint-Germain, the eventual winners of the tournament. The target is, at least on paper, within reach for coach Arne Slot, as the club heavily invested in the transfer market by strengthening the squad with top-quality signings such as Wirtz, Ekitike, Frimpong, and Isak, to name just a few. Los Colchoneros, meanwhile, have spent several years without truly challenging for the La Liga title, as shown by three third-place finishes in the last four seasons. At international level, Simeone’s team has also failed to fully convince in recent times: last season, they went out in the Round of 16 after a penalty shootout loss to their historic rivals Real Madrid. As happens almost every summer, Atletico Madrid reshaped the squad, and fans hope this might finally be the season to bring home a trophy after five years without silverware. Despite good intentions, their uncertain start to the campaign suggests it will be tough to claim points against a Liverpool side that knows only how to win in the Premier League.

Liverpool's recent form and key stats

In their latest Premier League match, Liverpool struggled more than expected to beat newly-promoted Burnley, finding the decisive 0-1 goal only thanks to a 95th-minute penalty converted by Salah. It was, however, a crucial goal as it allowed the English champions to remain alone at the top of the table after four rounds.

Arne Slot’s men have had an impressive record so far: four wins out of four in the league. After conceding 4 goals in their first two games, the defense has now found stability, keeping clean sheets in their last two matches against Arsenal and Burnley. The return from suspension of Gravenberch has been vital, as he is the only midfielder capable of providing balance and coverage when out of possession.

Following big wins over Bournemouth and Newcastle, with 7 goals scored across those two matches, Liverpool’s attack has slowed down, netting just one goal per game in their last two league outings. One player still missing from the scoresheet is Florian Wirtz, a record signing from Bayer Leverkusen, who is still chasing his first goal in a Reds shirt.

Atletico Madrid's recent form and key stats

By beating Villarreal 2-0, Atletico Madrid finally found their first win of the season after one defeat and two draws in their opening three La Liga games. Against the Yellow Submarine, the goals came from Barrios and new signing Nico Gonzalez, who arrived from Juventus in the final hours of the summer transfer window.

Beyond being their first league win, Simeone’s men also celebrated their first clean sheet of the season, after conceding at least once against Espanyol, Elche, and Alaves. Ahead of the clash with Liverpool, however, the Argentine coach might be without a key defensive piece in Hancko, as well as the long-term absentee Gimenez.

Despite their mixed results, Los Colchoneros have at least been consistent in attack, scoring an average of 1.25 goals per game. However, much more is expected from a front line featuring high-quality players such as Julian Alvarez, Sorloth, Griezmann, and Raspadori.

Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid prediction and tactical overview

So far this season, Liverpool have confirmed themselves as the team to beat in the Premier League and look strong enough to go deep in the Champions League, potentially repeating their 2018/19 triumph.

The Reds are clear favorites for the win, not only due to home advantage but also considering the head-to-head record, as Atletico Madrid have never won at Anfield in regular time in this competition. The Spaniards’ only success there came in extra time during the Round of 16 second leg of the 2019/20 edition.

Looking at Liverpool’s home form, it’s worth noting they are unbeaten in their last seven games at Anfield, with five wins and two draws. Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, have managed just one win in their last six away matches, further reducing their chances of upsetting the English champions.

From a tactical point of view, this should be an intense game with the hosts setting a high tempo from the start to put pressure on Atletico’s defense, which has looked vulnerable early this season. Simeone’s men will likely aim to stay compact and hit on the counterattack, but over time Liverpool’s greater intensity could tilt the outcome toward a home victory.

• Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid prediction by BetMines: Liverpool win (1) – 50%
  
  
• Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid prediction by BetMines: draw (X) – 24%
  
  
• Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid prediction by BetMines: Atletico Madrid win (2) – 26%

Probable lineups Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid

LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Alisson; C. Bradley, Van Dijk, Konaté, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike. Coach: Arne Slot

ATLETICO MADRID (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Simeone, Johnny, Gallagher, Barrios; Sorloth, Alvarez. Coach: Diego Simeone