Atletico Madrid are traditionally a difficult team to play, but Liverpool have actually won their last three matches against Diego Simeone’s side.
‘Not again’ was the sigh when Atletico came out of the hat (or computer as it is nowadays) to be Liverpool’s first opponents in this season’s Champions League.
Just like last year, Liverpool begin their European campaign with a home match against Atletico.
While there are higher quality teams out there, the notion of having to face Simeone brings with it a fear that comes from multiple meetings down the years.
Thankfully, the opener in the league phase will likely matter little come January, and Liverpool should be confident given that, contrary to fans’ instinctive reaction, they have actually won their last three meetings.
Liverpool’s record against Atletico Madrid
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 17, 2025: Liverpool's Alexander Isak during the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and Atletico Madrid FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 17, 2025: Liverpool's Alexander Isak during the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and Atletico Madrid FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool and Atletico met nine times before, with Liverpool winning four and Atletico winning three. The Reds have won three of the five matches played at Anfield.
They have won the last three meetings with Atletico, one in Madrid and the latter two at Anfield. Last season, Liverpool were 2-0 up inside six minutes thanks to goals from Andy Robertson and Mo Salah.
Marcos Llorente then netted a brace, his third and fourth strikes against the Reds, but Virgil van Dijk headed home a late winner.
Llorente also scored two and provided an assist as Atletico knocked Liverpool out at the last-16 stage in 2020, a night when Jurgen Klopp’s side were let down by goalkeeper Adrian.
Atletico also sunk Liverpool back in 2010, when they went through on away goals at Anfield after a 2-2 aggregate result.
Liverpool have kept just one clean sheet against Atletico in nine meetings.
This will be the seventh season in a row that the Reds have faced a team from Madrid in the Champions League.
It will also be Liverpool’s 58th match against an opponent from Spain. That is the highest number of games that they have played against a single nation in European competition, winning 24 of those encounters.
Reds’ results vs. Atletico
MADRID, SPAIN - Tuesday, October 19, 2021: Liverpool's Joel Matip celebrates after the UEFA Champions League Group B Matchday 3 game between Club Atlético de Madrid and Liverpool FC at the Estadio Metropolitano. Liverpool won 3-2. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
MADRID, SPAIN - Tuesday, October 19, 2021: Liverpool's Joel Matip celebrates after the UEFA Champions League Group B Matchday 3 game between Club Atlético de Madrid and Liverpool FC at the Estadio Metropolitano. Liverpool won 3-2. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• UCL group stage 2008/09 | 1-1 (A draw) | 1-1 (H draw)
• UEL semi-final 2009/10 | 1-0 (A loss) | 2-1 (H win)
• UCL last 16 2019/20 | 1-0 (A loss) | 2-3 (H loss)
• UCL group stage 2021/22 – 2-3 (A win) | 2-0 (H win)
• UCL league phase 2025/26 | 3-2 (H win)
This season’s scorers
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