Liverpool's Alexander Isak. Photo: Justin Setterfield / Getty Images
Liverpool begin their 2026-27 UEFA Champions League campaign with a huge clash against Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Thursday morning AEST.
The Reds welcome Diego Simeone’s side to Merseyside for the second season in a row, with Liverpool winning a classic encounter 3-2 almost exactly a year ago, and fans will be hoping this week’s fixture delivers just as much entertainment, in what is set to be one of the standout fixtures of the opening round of the Champions League league phase.
Liverpool and Atletico have plenty of recent history in the competition beyond last year’s encounter, most notably meeting in the Champions League round of 16 in 2020, when Atletico claimed a dramatic extra-time victory at Anfield to eliminate the reigning European champions.
Thursday’s clash is Andoni Iraola’s first European fixture since taking charge of Liverpool during the off-season, while Simeone is one of the Champions League’s most recognisable faces, having been in the dugout for Atleti on more than 100 European nights.
But the Argentine legend has a problem on his hands, with wantaway countryman Julian Alvarez still in the squad despite turning into public enemy No.1 for Atletico fans after publicly stating his desire to join Spanish rivals Barcelona.
Despite that, Alvarez remains a chance of taking the field at Anfield.
This game provides both clubs with an immediate test as they look to put themselves in a strong position in the 36-team Champions League league phase.
Australian football fans will need an early start to watch the action live, with Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid kicking off at 5:00am AEST on Thursday morning.
**Match:** Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid
**Date:** Thursday, September 10 (AEST) / Wednesday, September 9 (local)
**Time:** 5am AEST / 8pm BST
**Venue:** Anfield, Liverpool
**Broadcast:** Stan Sport
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid will be available live and on demand in Australia on Stan Sport, which holds the Australian broadcast rights to the UEFA Champions League.
**Liverpool (most recent game first)**
Ipswich Town 0 – 2 Liverpool (Premier League)
Liverpool 2 – 2 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
Newcastle 2 – 2 Liverpool (Premier League)
**Atletico Madrid (most recent game first)**
Athletic Club 3 – 0 Atletico Madrid (La Liga)
Sevilla 1 – 3 Atletico Madrid (La Liga)
Atletico Madrid 2 – 2 Villareal (La Liga)
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