Liverpool news
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The gist
Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at Anfield in their Champions League opener.
The win eases a squad stretched by injuries and a busy run of fixtures.
Background
Liverpool opened their Champions League campaign at Anfield against Atletico Madrid, having beaten the same opponent 3-2 in last season's league phase via a Virgil van Dijk stoppage-time header. New signing Bradley Barcola, signed from Paris Saint-Germain, was given his first start on the right wing. The club is managing a congested schedule and a lengthy injury list, with several players unavailable for selection.
How it unfolded
- Sep 8, 2026Head coach Andoni Iraola says new signing Bradley Barcola is 'ready to play more minutes' ahead of the Champions League match against Atletico Madrid. Wataru Endo and Federico Chiesa are unavailable, while Joe Gomez nears the end of his recovery from a pre-season muscle issue.
- Sep 9, 2026Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at Anfield in their Champions League opener. Marcos Llorente opened the scoring in the 17th minute, Dominik Szoboszlai equalised following a backheel from Araujo, and Alexis Mac Allister scored the winner from distance.
- Sep 9, 2026Bradley Barcola earned his first start in a red shirt on the right wing previously belonging to Mohamed Salah; the match report describes it as 'somewhat of a nightmare' for the Frenchman.
- Sep 9, 2026Liverpool prepare a bid for Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton as soon as January, per TEAMtalk, with Newcastle United also watching the situation.
- Sep 11, 2026Liverpool predicted lineup for the Premier League clash with Fulham; Cody Gakpo is an injury doubt and Rio Ngumoha featured midweek.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Andoni Iraola says Barcola is 'ready to play more minutes' and sees him as 'a normal player' building form after limited pre-season minutes.
- Official
- Iraola calls the congested schedule 'a challenge' and says 'we have to get used to this - it's what big clubs do'.
- Player
- Alexander Isak says he is 'feeling good' with his form and calls Barcola 'a big signing' the squad is 'really excited' about.
- Player
- Alexis Mac Allister admitted he was 'sad' Liverpool had not offered him a new contract.
Still unverified
Liverpool are on high alert with Adam Wharton expected to leave Crystal Palace in one of the next two transfer windows, potentially as early as January, reports TEAMtalk. Cody Gakpo is an injury doubt for the Fulham match. Julián Alvarez might make his return to the Atletico team following the summer's transfer saga.