Liverpool make two changes as Isak leads attack against Atletico Madrid

Liverpool kick off their Champions League campaign against Atletico Madrid at Anfield tonight, with Andoni Iraola making two changes from the side that beat Ipswich 2-0. Alexander Isak leads the line, while Bradley Barcola makes his full debut.

  • Competition: Champions League group stage
  • Venue: Anfield
  • Kick-off: This evening, September 9, 2026
  • Liverpool changes: Two from Ipswich win
  • Key selection: Barcola handed full debut; Frimpong and Gravenberch benched
  • Visitor news: Julian Alvarez recalled to start

Confirmed line-ups

Liverpool (4-2-3-1)

Starting XI: Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Wirtz; Ngumoha, Isak, Barcola

Substitutes: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Tsimikas, Munoz, Frimpong, Gravenberch, Nyoni, Chambers, McConnell, Koumas, Danns.

Atletico Madrid (4-4-2)

Starting XI: Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Romero, Hancko; Giuliano Simeone, Barrios, Koke, Alex Baena; Lee Kang-In, Julian Alvarez.

Substitutes: Musso, Vargas, Mendoza, Cardoso, Lookman, David, Grimaldo, Hjulmand, Le Normand, Jorge Dominguez, Dani Martinez, Castillo

Selection notes

Ronald Araujo starts at right-back after impressing against Ipswich, with Jeremie Frimpong on the bench. Milos Kerkez keeps his place at left-back ahead of Kostas Tsimikas. In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominic Szoboszlai start, with Ryan Gravenberch among the substitutes again. Florian Wirtz lines up in the attacking midfield role. Cody Gakpo is not involved tonight, so youngster Rio Ngumoha is given a chance to impress in attack. Bradley Barcola is handed his full debut, with Victor Munoz dropping to the bench. Alexander Isak leads the line after bagging a brace at Ipswich.

For the visitors, the big news is that Julian Alvarez is recalled to start in attack tonight. The Argentine spent the summer trying to force a move away from Atletico, so it will be interesting to see how he plays this evening.

Line-up analysis: Wirtz the creative hub, Ngumoha the wildcard

Andoni Iraola has set up Liverpool to dominate possession with Wirtz as the central attacking midfielder behind Isak. Wirtz will look to find pockets between Atletico's midfield and defence, while Szoboszlai and Mac Allister provide energy and pressing. The inclusion of Barcola and Ngumoha on the flanks gives Liverpool direct running and pace in transition — a likely tactic against Atletico's compact shape.

Atletico, under Diego Simeone, will likely sit deep and rely on Julian Alvarez and Lee Kang-In for counter-attacks. Alvarez's recall is a signal of intent — his movement and link play could trouble Liverpool's high line, especially with Van Dijk and Jacquet in central defence.

Talking points

  • Is dropping Gravenberch for Szoboszlai the right call in a game that could be decided in midfield?
  • Can Barcola justify his full debut with a goal or assist on the European stage?
  • Will Alvarez's Anfield return be a distraction or motivation for the Argentine?
  • Ngumoha's inclusion suggests Iraola trusts youth — but is he ready for Champions League intensity?

What happens next

Liverpool will look to secure three points at Anfield to set the tone for their group. The winner takes an early lead in the standings. After this, Liverpool face a Premier League test at the weekend, but all focus now is on getting off to a winning start in Europe.

Frequently asked questions

What are the confirmed line-ups for Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid?

Liverpool: Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ngumoha, Isak, Barcola. Atletico: Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Romero, Hancko; Simeone, Barrios, Koke, Baena; Lee Kang-In, Julian Alvarez.

Is Bradley Barcola making his debut for Liverpool against Atletico?

Yes, Bradley Barcola is handed his full debut for Liverpool in the Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.

Why is Julian Alvarez playing for Atletico Madrid?

Julian Alvarez has been recalled to start for Atletico Madrid against Liverpool, despite spending the summer trying to force a move away from the club.

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