Julian Alvarez has been named in Atletico Madrid's travelling squad for Wednesday's Champions League league-phase opener at Anfield, marking his return to European competition after a summer transfer saga involving Barcelona. The Argentine forward rejoined group training following intense speculation over his future, with Atletico maintaining their stance on his valuation despite external interest.
Simeone's side touched down on Merseyside after departing Madrid's Barajas Airport, with the squad settling at The Municipal Hotel ahead of pre-match preparations. The manager will oversee an open training session at Anfield on Wednesday evening, giving his players a chance to familiarize themselves with the pitch before facing a Liverpool side that has dominated recent encounters between these two clubs.
Atletico's Squad Depth and Injury Concerns
The travelling party features most of Atletico's key personnel, including goalkeeper Jan Oblak, midfield anchor Koke, defender Cuti Romero, and attacking options Jonathan David and Ademola Lookman. Only striker Alexander Sorloth remains sidelined through injury rehabilitation, while midfielder Arnau Ortiz continues serving a suspension dating back to August 2024. This represents near-full strength for Simeone as he prepares for an early litmus test in European football.
Liverpool's European Dominance
The challenge awaiting Atletico is formidable. Liverpool have won their last three Champions League meetings against the Spanish club and hold an impressive record of never losing an opening home fixture in European Cup or Champions League competition across 12 matches. Meanwhile, new Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has never beaten Simeone in four competitive meetings—recording three defeats and one draw. This marks the second consecutive season Atletico begin their continental campaign away at Anfield, a venue where they suffered a 3-2 defeat last year.
For Atletico to claim vital early points in the new league-phase format, defensive discipline will prove crucial. Simeone's squad cannot afford consecutive defeats to the same opponent; they have never suffered four straight losses against a single European rival. With a demanding fixture schedule ahead, Wednesday's result could define Atletico's entire European campaign trajectory.
