Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid

Liverpool begin their Champions League campaign with a repeat of last season’s opening European fixture as they welcome Atletico Madrid to Anfield. The Reds claimed an entertaining 3-2 victory over Los Colchoneros last term under Arne Slot, but there is a new era at Anfield this time around, with Andoni Iraola taking charge of his first Champions League game. Atletico went on to enjoy an impressive European run last season, reaching the semi-finals before Arsenal eventually edged them out 2-1 on aggregate.

Both teams have plenty of reasons to believe they can find the net in this meeting, making goals at both ends an appealing betting angle. Atletico won just one of their six matches against Premier League opposition in Europe last season, although their overall performances were considerably better than that record suggests. Liverpool have also shown some defensive vulnerability recently, conceding four goals across the two matches before their clean sheet against Ipswich, while Atletico have conceded in each of their last three games despite scoring seven goals across their four fixtures.

Liverpool should have enough quality and home advantage to come through what could be another entertaining contest at Anfield. Atletico have struggled to get results away from home against Premier League opposition, with all four of their defeats in this competition last season coming on the road. Iraola will want his European reign to begin with a statement victory, and Liverpool’s attacking quality should eventually prove decisive even if Atletico make life difficult for the hosts. A 2-1 Liverpool victory is our correct-score prediction.

Julian Alvarez could also have a major role to play for the visitors after returning to the squad following his failed attempt to secure a summer move away. The Argentina international has developed an outstanding record in the Champions League, scoring 22 goals in 32 appearances in the competition over the last three seasons with two different clubs. It remains to be seen whether Alvarez starts at Anfield, but if he is named in the XI, he looks a strong candidate to find the net and could make this another difficult evening for Liverpool’s defence.