UEFA Champions League openers don’t often feel like heavyweight boxing bouts, but Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid checks every box. On one side, you’ve got the Premier League’s reigning kings, polished and precise under Arne Slot. On the other, Diego Simeone’s snarling Atletico Madrid, perennial bridesmaids of Europe—forever walking the aisle, never sealing the kiss.
Liverpool are fresh from a perfect domestic start, their 4-0 league run setting an ominous tone. But fans are itching to see Alexander Isak—the £125 million signing whose only minutes this season came in a loss to Kosovo. If he steps onto Anfield’s turf, the Kop may just combust in anticipation.
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid: Can Isak Steal the Spotlight?
Isak’s potential debut is the subplot to this already delicious clash. Slot admitted the Swede isn’t built for back-to-back starts yet, but hinted at “45 minutes minimum” against Atletico. Translation: brace for chaos when the lanky forward lumbers on. He could be brilliant, or he could be Bambi on ice. Either way, you won’t look away.
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid: What’s Eating Atletico?
Atletico’s La Liga start has been shakier than a phone on 1% battery. An opening loss to Espanyol, draws against Elche and Alaves, and only a late Villareal win to save face. Injuries to Julian Alvarez, Gonzalez, and Le Normand complicate matters. Still, Simeone thrives when everyone doubts him. Liverpool know that déjà vu sting—the Spaniards sent them packing back in 2020.
My Take: Reds Edge It, But Barely
As tempting as it is to romanticize Atletico’s underdog defiance, this Liverpool side looks ruthless at home. Fourteen straight European wins at Anfield, Salah on fire, and a defense as stingy as a grandmother at Diwali shopping. Atletico will scrap, claw, and probably complain, but I see Liverpool nicking it—maybe 2-1, maybe late.
Because if football teaches us anything, it’s this: history loves irony, but money and momentum usually call the shots.
