Liverpool are ready. The Champions League anthem is about to echo across Anfield, the floodlights are preparing to shine down on another historic European night, and the Kop is waiting to roar louder than ever. This time, the challenge is Atletico Madrid, Diego Simeoneās warriors, a team built on stubbornness, grit, and the ability to frustrate anyone, no matter how good. But for Liverpool, this night feels different. There is a new era beginning, a new manager in Arne Slot, a new crop of players, and above all, a belief that this season could mark the return of glory in Europe
The confirmed team news and predicted lineup for this heavyweight clash has been the center of conversation all week. Fans have debated endlessly on social media, pundits have given their opinions, and the newspapers have written about nothing else. Everyone wants to know one thing: who will take the field for Liverpool when the referee blows the whistle at 8pm on Wednesday, September 17, 2025?
Liverpool come into this game flying high in the Premier League. Four games, four wins. The latest was a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Turf Moor against Burnley, sealed by a Mohamed Salah penalty deep into stoppage time. It wasnāt pretty, but champions are built on nights like that. Winning when you are not at your best is often the clearest sign of greatness. Now, the question is whether that winning form can be carried into Europe, where Liverpool were left heartbroken last season after being knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16. That defeat still lingers, and this team wants redemption.
The last time Liverpool faced Atletico Madrid was back in 2021. Those were unforgettable games. At Anfield, Liverpool won 2-0 in front of their fans, with Atletico reduced to 10 men after Felipe was sent off. In Madrid, it was even more dramatic. Liverpool triumphed 3-2 in a rollercoaster of a game, and once again Atletico had a man dismissed, this time Antoine Griezmann. Those nights were full of fire, tension, and drama ā exactly what you expect when these two teams meet. Now, after four years, the rivalry is reborn.
The biggest talking point for this match is Alexander Isak. Liverpoolās record signing. Ā£125 million. The saga of the summer. The Swede finally forced his way out of Newcastle United after weeks of speculation, drama, and headlines. His signing made waves across Europe, and Liverpool fans could hardly contain their excitement. But since his arrival, he has yet to make his debut. Against Burnley, Arne Slot chose to leave him out, explaining that Isak had not completed a full pre-season and needed time. Slot does not want to throw him in too early, but with Atletico coming to town, the temptation is massive. Anfield is crying out for a hero, and Isak could become that figure the moment he steps onto the pitch. The cameras, the fans, and the headlines are all waiting for his first touch in a red shirt.
But Isak is not the only fresh face. Liverpool spent heavily and smartly in the summer. Florian Wirtz, one of the brightest young talents in world football, is ready to make his Champions League bow for the Reds. The German midfielder has the creativity, vision, and elegance that Liverpool have craved in tight European matches. Then there is Hugo Ekitike, another exciting signing, who brings speed and unpredictability. Jeremie Frimpong, the flying Dutch right-back, returned from injury at the weekend and could now start in Europe. Milos Kerkez, still learning, offers energy at left-back, and Giovanni Leoni, a young defender, waits for his chance. This is not just Liverpool entering a Champions League game. This is Liverpool beginning a new era, and the fans want to see their new stars shine.
The midfield options are also strong. Ryan Gravenberch has impressed with his power and control, Alexis Mac Allister brings intelligence and experience, and Curtis Jones, if fit, adds balance and energy. However, Jones is a doubt. He missed the Burnley game with a knock, and his absence left fans asking questions. Slot has kept details quiet, but many wonder if he will be ready in time for Atletico. If not, Mac Allister could step in alongside Gravenberch, forming a pivot behind the attacking midfield line.
Then there is Mohamed Salah. Always Salah. Liverpoolās king, the man who has written history with his goals, the man who loves the Champions League stage. Salah will start, no doubt. He will be on the right wing, carrying the hopes of millions, chasing more European glory, and perhaps even more personal records. Alongside him could be Cody Gakpo, who offers versatility and direct running, and in the center, Florian Wirtz might play the role of creator, linking midfield to attack.
Predicted lineup? The Evening Standard has suggested a 4-2-3-1 system. Alisson Becker in goal, of course ā the Brazilian is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, a man who has saved Liverpool countless times and knows what European nights demand. In defense, Frimpong could start at right-back, with Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk forming the central partnership. Van Dijk remains the leader, the captain, the rock. Kerkez could get the nod at left-back, offering energy and width. In midfield, Gravenberch and Mac Allister are the likely double pivot, tasked with controlling possession and stopping Atleticoās counters. Ahead of them, the attacking trio of Salah, Wirtz, and Gakpo will try to unlock Simeoneās defense. And upfront, it could be Hugo Ekitike ā unless Slot decides to hand Isak the dream debut.
The bench will also be important. With the likes of Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, and others available, Slot has plenty of firepower if the game is tight. That depth could make the difference against an Atletico side that loves to drag matches into tense, dramatic battles decided in the final minutes.
For Atletico Madrid, things are far from perfect. Injuries have struck at the worst possible time. Julian Alvarez, their new striker from Manchester City, went off injured last weekend with a knee problem. David Hancko and Robin Le Normand also picked up knocks. Nico Gonzalez, who scored, had to be taken off with cramp. And they are already without Jose Maria Gimenez, Thiago Almada, and Alex Baena. It is a long list of problems for Simeone, who will have to use all his tactical brilliance to cover the gaps. But if there is one manager who knows how to turn adversity into strength, it is him. Atletico are never easy opponents, no matter the circumstances.
The atmosphere at Anfield will be something special. European nights under the lights are different in Liverpool. The flags, the scarves, the noise of the Kop ā it all creates an energy that lifts the players and intimidates the opposition. Atletico have faced it before, but it never gets easier. The fans will demand passion, pressing, goals, and victory.
The kickoff is at 8pm BST on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. The game will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK, with coverage starting at 7pm. Millions will be watching around the world, waiting to see whether Slotās Liverpool can announce themselves as real contenders for the Champions League crown this season.
But beyond tactics, beyond injuries, beyond predictions, this game is about something deeper. It is about two clubs with history, two clubs with pride, and two managers who will do everything to win. For Liverpool, it is about proving that last seasonās exit was just a step back before a leap forward. For Atletico, it is about showing that they still belong at the highest level despite their struggles.
Every player on that pitch will feel the weight of history. Every tackle, every save, every chance will matter. And when the final whistle blows, we will know whether Liverpoolās new era is ready to conquer Europe or whether Simeoneās Atletico still have the power to spoil dreams. Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1):
Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike (or possibly Isak).
