Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid predictions and betting tips | Iraola makes Champions League bow

Our Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid predictions look ahead to Wednesday night’s clash at Anfield, as the Champions League returns for the 2026/27 campaign.

Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid head to head overview

• Date: Wednesday 9th September.
• Kick-off: 8pm.
• Venue: Anfield, Liverpool, England.
• Where to watch: TNT Sports 2.

Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid quick tips

• Liverpool to win – 8/11 with SBK
• Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals – 10/11 with Betfred
• Alexander Isak to score any time – 21/20 with bet365

Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid predictions

After unconvincing displays in 2-2 draws with Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, the Reds picked up their first victory of 2026/27 on Friday night with a 2-0 defeat of Ipswich Town.

It was not a world-class performance from Liverpool, for whom there remains considerable room for improvement.

But Andoni Iraola’s side were at least a lot less open than they had been in those aforementioned draws with Newcastle and Forest. 

The triumph at Portman Road, secured courtesy of an Alexander Isak brace, was undoubtedly a step in the right direction. Now Liverpool must build on it.

A clash with Atletico Madrid represents a potentially difficult start to Liverpool’s Champions League campaign, although the flip side is that a victory over last season’s semi-finalists would be a real fillip for Iraola and co.

Liverpool have not had much joy in this competition of late. Since finishing as runners-up in 2021/22, their record reads: round of 16, did not qualify, round of 16, quarter-finals.

The Reds will be desperate to pose a challenge this time around, although they are not among the outright favourites at the time of writing (the bookies rate them as the seventh-likeliest champions).

Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid tips

Liverpool take on Atletico Madrid on matchday one of the Champions League.

Who wins this one?

Atletico Madrid are tricky customers in the Champions League, as their narrow defeat by Arsenal in last season’s semi-finals showed.

However, they warmed up for this trip to Merseyside with a 3-0 defeat by Athletic Bilbao, while their star man Julian Alvarez spent the entire summer pushing for a move away.

As a result, this feels like a good time to be facing Atletico, who should get stronger once they find their rhythm in the weekend and months ahead.

For now, though, this is a golden chance for Liverpool to get the European ball rolling with a win on matchday one.

Tip Liverpool to win at 8/11 with SBK

Attacks over defences

Liverpool were not overly troubled by Ipswich Town on Friday, but that was definitely not the case in their previous two matches.

The Reds struggled to prevent both Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest breaking on them, a weakness that Atletico Madrid will be aiming to exploit this week.

It looks like Liverpool fans will have to accept a degree of openness from their side at least until Andoni Iroala has had enough time to fully implement his ideas.

With that in mind, this looks set to be an entertaining encounter at Anfield.

Go for both teams to score and over 2.5 goals at 10/11 with Betfred

Isak has something to build on

After spending £125m on his signature in the summer of 2025, Liverpool need Alexander Isak to come good.

A mix of poor form and injury problems made last season one to forget for the Sweden international, but there have been some positive signals from Isak at the start of the current campaign.

His double against Ipswich Town was the clearest indication yet that Isak is getting back to his best. That match-winning contribution has given the striker something to build on.

A strike in the Champions League is the next item on Isak’s wish list. Do not be surprised if he ticks it off against Atletico Madrid.

Back Alexander Isak to score any time at 21/20 with bet365

Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid predicted lineups

• Liverpool expected lineup: Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Gakpo, Wirtz, Barcola; Isak.
• Atletico Madrid expected lineup: Oblak; Llorente, Pubil, Romero, Grimaldo; Simeone, Barrios, Hjulmand, Lookman; Álvarez, Baena.

Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid latest odds

Find the latest Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

• Liverpool: 8/11 with SBK
• Draw: 3/1 with Betfred
• Atletico Madrid: 7/2 with bet365

More Champions League predictions

We have plenty more Champions League predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.

Important historical facts about Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid for betting

There have been nine meetings between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid in European competition – seven in the Champions League and two in the Europa League. Liverpool have won each of their last three games against Atletico Madrid.

• Last meeting: 17th September 2025; Liverpool 3-2 Atletico Madrid.
• Last 6 matches: Liverpool wins – 4; Atletico Madrid wins – 2; Draws – 0.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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