Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League match.
Liverpool have made a perfect start to the Premier League campaign, winning all four games — and in trademark fashion, several of those victories came in the dying minutes. That late show could well repeat itself in the Champions League against an Atlético Madrid side who are yet to convince in La Liga.
Liverpool
Unlike their main domestic rivals, Liverpool have kept instability to a minimum. They’ve generated just 6.25 xG over 360 minutes in the league (only ninth-best), yet converted that into nine goals — level with Arsenal and Chelsea as the most prolific attack. Arne Slot is still shuffling his new signings, but they are already making an impact. And Alexander Isak has yet to debut; when he does, Liverpool’s frontline will be even sharper.
Atlético Madrid
Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, failed to win any of their opening games in La Liga before the international break, falling behind Barcelona and Real Madrid early on. Even Saturday’s 2:0 win over Villarreal was unconvincing: the opponents produced similar xG (1.00 to Atlético Madrid’s 1.03). Injuries have also bitten hard — Thiago Almada and Álex Baena were already out, and now Álvaro Morata, Dávid Hancko and Robin Le Normand are sidelined too. Giuliano Simeone suddenly has limited options, making it difficult to field his strongest XI at Anfield.
Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid Prediction
The last time these sides met was in the 2021 group stage — Liverpool did the double, winning 3:2 in Madrid and 2:0 at Anfield. With Arne Slot’s star-studded side in flying form, it’s hard to see anything other than another home win.
