Simeone starts Julián Álvarez at Anfield despite yesterday’s doubts
Diego Simeone, the coach of Atlético de Madrid, handed a starting berth to ‘Cuti’ Romero and Julián Álvarez for the first Champions League match of the season at Liverpool’s Anfield, despite having said only a day earlier that the Argentine forward was still in a growth phase and not ready to begin.
Pre‑match doubts overturned
On the preceding day Simeone told Movistar that Álvarez was in a ‘phase of growth’ and he did not see the striker starting the Wednesday encounter.
The coach later explained that a decision can be altered up to kickoff, noting that Alvarez had been working well in training and had responded positively the previous session, making his inclusion a ‘novelty’.
Simeone added that the Champions League demands bravery, stating ‘there are only places for the brave’ and urging his side to compete with courage.
Simeone dreams of Bruno Fernandes – Atlético checks contract situation
The game finished 2‑2, allowing El Atlético to claim a deserved point against Liverpool at Anfield.
Periodista Chema G. Fuente reported Álvarez’s status as ‘un asunto cerrado’, and the coach reiterated ‘Es lo que toca y en la Champions necesitas competir’.
Julian Álvarez attended a training session in Liverpool, England, on Tuesday 8 September 2026, as captured by photographer Peter Byrne.
Looking ahead, Simeone stressed that the squad must remain bold in the Liga de Campeones if they are to progress beyond the group stage.