Atletico Madrid launch Metropolitano Champions final dream at Anfield against Liverpool

Atletico Madrid begin their Champions League campaign this Wednesday at 21:00 with a trip to Anfield to face Andoni Iraola's Liverpool. It is a fitting starting point for a season in which the main ambition is clear: playing the final on June 5, 2027 at the Metropolitano. The road to that dream opens in one of world football's most iconic stadiums.

• Liverpool and Atletico Madrid meet at Anfield at 21:00 in the first round of the 2026-27 Champions League league phase.
• Simeone's side are chasing a place in the June 5, 2027 final at the Metropolitano.
• Cuti Romero could start as Simeone considers switching to a back three.
• Liverpool are without Ekitike, Chiesa, Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez and Leoni.
• Jonathan David is expected to start on the bench as Atletico again line up without a pure striker.

What is at stake for Atletico Madrid at Anfield

The match offers an early gauge of where Simeone's team really stand this season. Atletico arrive with mixed feelings: convincing wins over Malaga and Sevilla, a strange draw with Villarreal and a defeat at San Mames after a two-minute collapse early in the second half. That loss in Bilbao raised familiar questions about the team's away form, an issue that has followed them in recent campaigns.

Anfield is as demanding a setting as any to silence those doubts. A positive result against Liverpool would also carry extra weight. In an eight-match league phase, every point makes the route to the last 16 more comfortable. Beyond that, beating a team expected to finish near the top of the table would send a strong message about Atletico's European ambitions.

Anfield will test Atletico's away form under Simeone

Atletico have looked reliable at home but less convincing on the road. The defeat in Bilbao left the impression that the team still lacks some control when matches turn against them. Simeone, however, trusts the response of a squad that includes new signings still adapting to his system.

Everything begins today at Anfield, a stadium where Atletico have enjoyed great European nights, and it ends at the Metropolitano, where Liverpool won their last Champions League.

Atletico Madrid possible lineup against Liverpool

The main change in the red-and-white lineup could come in defence. Cuti Romero is pushing to start, which would allow Simeone to move to a three-man back line. Marcos Llorente and Grimaldo would then operate as wing-backs. Llorente, who has scored in both of his previous visits to Anfield, is a particularly valuable attacking weapon from the right.

In midfield, Hjulmand and Barrios lead the race for the double pivot, though Koke has not been ruled out. Baena and Lookman are expected to complete the attacking line behind the main reference. Up front, Simeone still does not see Julian Alvarez as ready to start and Jonathan David is adapting to his new side, so Atletico will once again begin without a classic number nine.

Atletico absences and doubts

• Sorloth is out through injury.
• Arnau Ortiz is suspended.
• Julian Alvarez is not yet ready to start, according to Simeone.
• Jonathan David is still adapting to the team.

Iraola's Liverpool: a dangerous side with early doubts and key injuries

Liverpool have not been at their best in the opening weeks either. They have won their first three Premier League matches but have shown some vulnerability along the way. Iraola is also dealing with a crowded treatment room: Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez, Leoni, Chiesa and Ekitike are all unavailable for the European fixture.

Even so, the squad has plenty of quality. Araujo and Barcola, two of the summer signings, are expected to feature on the right side. Van Dijk brings his usual authority in central defence. Szoboszlai and Mac Allister provide balance in the double pivot, with Gravenberch as another option. In attack, Wirtz, Gakpo and an increasingly sharp Isak form a formidable front line.

Atletico's road to the Metropolitano final: Liverpool first, then seven more battles

The league phase gives Simeone's side no time to breathe. After Anfield, Atletico will face Manchester United, Stuttgart, Bayern Munich, Viking, PSV, Bodo Glimt and Fenerbahce. Across those eight matches, the goal is to secure a strong position in the table and reach the knockout rounds with genuine options.

The dream finish to that journey would be June 5, 2027 at the Metropolitano. Atletico fans are already imagining a Champions League final in their own stadium. If it happens, it would be one of the greatest moments in the club's history. The first step toward that ambition begins this Wednesday on Merseyside.