Liverpool face Atletico Madrid as Champions League Returns
The UEFA Champions League returns with a contemporary look this season, because the previous group system makes manner for a brand new league section. Liverpool, beneath Arne Slot, start their marketing campaign at Anfield on Wednesday 17 September in opposition to Atletico Madrid, a fixture already wealthy with historical past and drama. Kick-off is about for 20:00 BST.
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Early Recollections and Unfinished Enterprise
Atletico Madrid’s final journey to Anfield stays etched into European soccer folklore. In March 2020, Diego Simeone’s facet surprised Liverpool within the Spherical of 16. After dropping their first-leg benefit, Atletico responded with a 3-2 win after further time, sealing a 4-2 mixture triumph with decisive targets from Marcos Llorente and Álvaro Morata. That evening introduced an abrupt finish to Liverpool’s title defence and showcased Atletico’s capability to thrive in hostile territory.
Photograph: IMAGO
Liverpool arrive this time beneath completely different circumstances. Jurgen Klopp has departed, and his successor Slot has already delivered the Premier League in his debut season. The Dutchman’s facet have been knocked out of the Champions League final 12 months by Paris Saint-Germain on penalties, and ambition is evident to go deeper this time. A convincing begin in opposition to Atletico would assist set the tone.
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Atletico Madrid Setbacks
Simeone’s group enter this encounter struggling for rhythm in La Liga, the place they’ve collected solely two factors from their first three matches. Extra troubling for the Spanish membership is the absence of key gamers. Their £42.5 million summer time signing Álex Baena has been sidelined following surgical procedure.
An Atletico Madrid assertion confirmed:
“Laparoscopic surgical procedure happened usually and the participant is nicely, ready to start his restoration within the subsequent few days.”
“Alex Baena has been efficiently intervened on Tuesday, September 2, of acute appendicitis.”
“Laparoscopic surgical procedure happened usually and the participant is nicely, however will stay admitted for the subsequent few hours pending hospital discharge and is pending evolution for his return to coaching.”
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Experiences in Spain recommend Baena will miss a number of weeks, which guidelines him out of the conflict with Liverpool. Central defender José María Giménez additionally stays unavailable on account of a thigh drawback relationship again to the Membership World Cup.
Liverpool’s Demanding Schedule
Liverpool supporters can already look forward to a demanding run within the Champions League league section. After Atletico Madrid, Slot’s males face journeys to Galatasaray and Eintracht Frankfurt earlier than internet hosting Actual Madrid in early November. PSV, Inter Milan, Marseille and Qarabag additionally characteristic in what’s an intense line-up of opponents.
The brand new format ensures heavyweight ties throughout the competitors, and Liverpool will probably be anticipated to navigate them with authority. Anfield has usually supplied a stage for stirring European nights, and Slot will know that momentum inbuilt September might show decisive by spring. Atletico Madrid, regardless of their accidents and stuttering kind, stay a facet constructed for moments like this, and Liverpool will have to be alert from the primary whistle.