Madrid defies Liverpool under the eye of Davide Massa in the Champions League

The Champions League duel between Liverpool and Atlético Madrid took place on September 9, 2026 at 21:00, under the supervision of referee Davide Massa, with Liverpool lining up a 4‑2‑3‑1 and Atlético a 4‑4‑2. Atlético's coach, Diego Simeone González, faced A. Iraola Sagarna, while the squads included Van Dijk, Szoboszlai, Wirtz for Liverpool and Oblak, Hancko, Llorente for Atlético. The ball was predominantly held by the Spanish (70 % possession).

Team line‑ups

For Liverpool, the starting eleven consisted of Becker (6 M), Kerkez (4 V), Van Dijk (5 J), Jacquet (33 R), Araujo da Silva (10 A), Mac Allister (8 D), Szoboszlai (29 B), Barcola (7 F), Wirtz (73 R), Ngumoha Adigun (9 A) and Isak. The listed substitutes were Chambers (44), Danns (76), Frimpong (30), Gravenberch (38), Koumas (67), Mamardashvili (25), McConnell (53), Muñoz Villanueva (23), Nyoni (42), Tsimikas (21) and Woodman (28).

For Atlético Madrid, the starting eleven included Oblak (13), Hancko (17), Pubill Pagès (18), Romero (21), Llorente Moreno (14), Baena Rodríguez (10), Resurrección Merodio (6), Barrios Rivas (8), Simeone Baldini (20), Alvarez (19) and Lee (7). The registered substitutes were Alade Aylola (A), Lookman (11), Blom Due Hjulmand (23), Castillo Frutos (46), David (15), Domínguez Lituba (27), Grimaldo García (22), Le Normand Mainfray (24), Martínez Moreno (30), Mendoza Martinez Moya (4), Musso (1), Vargas (3) and de Souza Cardoso (5).

Key statistics

Possession data showed 30 % for Liverpool versus 70 % for Atlético. Shots on target amounted to seven, while off‑target shots were twelve. The total passes completed were 514, with 68 % accuracy for Atlético and 32 % for Liverpool. The number of fouls recorded was eight.

Live commentary highlighted Atlético's midfield dominance, notably thanks to the presence of Hancko and Llorente, as well as Liverpool's ability to create space through Szoboszlai and Barcola. Supporters followed the match live, with highlights regularly broadcast.

The squads displayed under the term “SQUADS” and the line‑ups presented under “Line‑up” were confirmed by the Champions League officials, ensuring transparency of the compositions before kickoff.