Liverpool is back in Champions League action for the 2026/27 season and Andoni Iraola has some big decisions to make over his team for the opener against Atletico Madrid
Ronald Araújo of Liverpool during the training session ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1
Ronald Araujo could feature for Liverpool in the Champions League(Image: (Photo by Nikki Dyer/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))
The Champions League is finally back for the 2026/27 season, and it will give Andoni Iraola his first opportunity to take charge of Liverpool in Europe's most prestigious competition.
The Reds have become synonymous with famous European nights, having won the trophy six times now, as the magic of the continental contest seems to bring the best out of the team. There is a familiar foe for Iraola to face first up, as Liverpool plays host to Atletico Madrid in the opening match of the campaign at Anfield, which is set to be a competitive clash.
After previous feisty encounters, there is a chance for a repeat against an old foe like Diego Simeone, with an opportunity for bragging rights and a first three points on the board.
Considering the balance between playing in the Premier League, Champions League, and both domestic cups this season, Iraola will have to make some big decisions on the team that he starts and how he rotates his top stars.
The lack of depth has been a keen talking point for Liverpool fans, especially taking into account how intense the manager's style of play is and the impact that could have on fitness levels and injuries.
Despite that, Iraola may well decide to start with a similar lineup for the midweek encounter, with Alisson likely to keep his place between the sticks.
Milos Kerkez has nailed down a place at left-back, while Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet get another opportunity to continue their impressive pairing at centre-back. Right-back remains a place of interest, and considering his impressive debut against Ipswich, it would make sense if Ronald Araujo retains his position for the encounter with the Rojiblancos.
Ronald Araujo impressed for Liverpool against Ipswich.
Ronald Araujo impressed for Liverpool against Ipswich.(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
The midfield could be similar to the previous encounter, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz given another chance to shine against European opposition.
However, considering the lack of preseason for Alexis Mac Allister, it would be no surprise to see him dropped in favor of Ryan Gravenberch while he continues to get back up to speed.
In the forward line, there are questions about whether Bradley Barcola could be handed his full debut, after he made the $166 million move from Paris Saint-Germain.
The French winger showed glimpses of what he could bring against Ipswich last week, but his lack of preseason conditioning means that being thrown in from the start could be unlikely.
Throw the form of Cody Gakpo in the mix, and it would make sense for the Netherlands international to feature on the left. Alexander Isak is likely to keep his place as the lone centre-forward, while the pace of Victor Munoz could help add another dimension to the frontline.
Predicted lineup: Alisson; Kerkez, Van Dijk, Jacquet, Araujo; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Wirtz; Munoz, Gakpo, Isak