Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid | Football Previews & Free Betting Tips | 17th September 2025

Champions League group stage football is back at Anfield as Liverpool host Atletico Madrid on 17 September 2025 in an 8pm UK kick-off. Liverpool arrive unbeaten so far in the league, playing with real control and adding quality with summer signings like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. Atletico have also started brightly in La Liga but come into this one with several injury concerns.

Expect Anfield to be bouncing — first big European night of the season, flags and scarves in full force, and a noisy away end packed with travelling Atleti fans. Liverpool are likely to shape up in a 4-3-3 with width from Salah and Cody Gakpo, while Atletico will be compact in their familiar 4-4-2, looking to frustrate and counter attack when given the opportunity.

• Liverpool’s dominance: averaging over 61% possession and 16+ shots per game, with much of the attacking funnel coming through Wirtz in the half-spaces and overlapping full-backs.
• Atletico’s compactness: around 53% possession with a low block, conceding just two goals in four this season. They’re ruthless in transition, especially with Griezmann drifting to link play.
• Second-half goals: both sides trend higher after the break — Liverpool score 55% in the second half, Atleti 60%. This one might open up later in the game.

Liverpool: boosts with Alexis Mac Allister and Alexander Isak both back in training, though both carry minor doubts. Curtis Jones remains sidelined with a groin issue. Expect Virgil van Dijk to marshal the back line, Dominik Szoboszlai to drive midfield, and Cody Gakpo to carry the wide threat.

Atletico Madrid: four fresh concerns after their Villarreal game: Julián Álvarez (knee), Dávid Hancko (ankle), Robin Le Normand (back), and Pablo Barrios (cramp). Griezmann should lead the line, with Álex Baena providing guile behind. Koke anchors the midfield, while José Giménez brings experience at the back.

Liverpool (last 10 competitive): 7–3–0. Unbeaten in the new season, 10 scored and just one conceded. Across 10 games they’ve netted 22, conceded 12, averaging 2.2 goals for and 1.2 against. Their defensive solidity looks much improved, with three clean sheets in the last four.

Atletico Madrid (last 10 competitive): 7–2–1. Eight goals scored, two conceded this season. Across 10 they’ve bagged 15 and let in 9, around 1.5 for and 0.9 against. Very tidy defensively and clinical once ahead.

Liverpool: 2.5
Atletico Madrid: 2.0

Liverpool: 0.25
Atletico Madrid: 0.5

Liverpool: 75%
Atletico Madrid: 50%

Liverpool: 61%
Atletico Madrid: 53%

Liverpool: 6.5
Atletico Madrid: 5.2

Liverpool: 2.2
Atletico Madrid: 1.7

Liverpool: 0.8
Atletico Madrid: 1.1

Liverpool: 0.5
Atletico Madrid: 0.4

Liverpool: 0.2
Atletico Madrid: 0.3

Liverpool: 88%
Atletico Madrid: 84%

Liverpool: 16.5 (6.0 on target)
Atletico Madrid: 13.0 (4.5 on target)

Liverpool: 1.8
Atletico Madrid: 2.0

Liverpool: 20.0
Atletico Madrid: 21.5

Liverpool: 45% first half / 55% second half
Atletico Madrid: 40% first half / 60% second half

Liverpool: 50% under / 50% over
Atletico Madrid: 75% under / 25% over

Liverpool: 3.0
Atletico Madrid: 2.5

Liverpool at Anfield (last 10): Consistently dominant, scoring over 2 per game and keeping 5 clean sheets. Rarely beaten, they thrive on the home crowd energy.

Atletico away (last 10): Solid with seven wins, often nicking tight games. Tend to keep it compact, averaging just under 1 goal conceded on the road.

Liverpool consistently create over 2.0 xG per game and restrict opponents well below 1.0, while Atletico hover nearer 1.7 xG with slightly higher xGA. Expect the chance quality to lean Liverpool’s way at Anfield.

These two have shared some classic Champions League nights. In 2021 Liverpool won home and away in the group stage, while Atletico knocked them out in the dramatic 2020 round of 16 (4–2 agg). The record from the last five is even: two Liverpool wins, two Atletico wins, one draw. Always close, always fiery.

Florian Wirtz (Liverpool): Already looking like the creative hub. His vision between the lines and ability to slip in Isak or Díaz makes him vital in breaking down Atletico’s low block.

Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid): The heartbeat of Atleti’s attack. Drops deep to link play, drifts wide to combine, and still provides a goal threat. If Liverpool don’t track him smartly, he can dictate moments.

Liverpool’s form, depth and Anfield factor make them strong favourites here, especially against a depleted Atletico side. Expect a stubborn Atleti defence, but Liverpool’s firepower should tell eventually.

Prediction: Liverpool 2–0 Atletico Madrid

Main pick: Liverpool to win Ht-FT — superior xG profile (2.2 vs 1.7), stronger recent clean-sheet rate, and home advantage. Liverpool could score a few