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Liverpool to Host Atletico in 2026 Champions League Opener

9/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Liverpool will host Atletico Madrid in the Champions League opener at Anfield on September 9, 2026.
Andoni Iraola will manage Liverpool in its first Champions League match.
Liverpool miss Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni, with Joe Gomez a fitness doubt.
Opta gives Liverpool a 53% win probability and Atletico 23.5%.
Liverpool have won ten of twelve home Champions League openers and never lost a first home match.

History

Historical Context

Liverpool’s 1977 first European Cup triumph over Borussia Mönchengladbach, secured with a 3-1 win in Rome, qualified the club for the European Super Cup, where they defeated Hamburg 7-1 on aggregate. That breakthrough marked England’s re-emergence in continental competition, a legacy that underpins Liverpool’s 2026 home match at Anfield against Atlético Madrid.

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Story summary

Liverpool will host Atletico Madrid in the Champions League opener at Anfield on September 9, 2026.
Andoni Iraola will manage Liverpool in its first Champions League match.
Liverpool miss Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni, with Joe Gomez a fitness doubt.
Opta gives Liverpool a 53% win probability and Atletico 23.5%.
Liverpool have won ten of twelve home Champions League openers and never lost a first home match.

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