A new era at Anfield takes center stage tonight as Alexander Isak makes his Liverpool debut in their Champions League opener against Atlético Madrid. The £125 million striker — a British-record signing from Newcastle on September 1 — leads the line for Arne Slot’s side, as the Reds manager makes three changes to the XI that beat Burnley last weekend.
The Swedish forward has been gradually stepping up his fitness at the AXA Training Centre, and Slot has wasted no time in throwing him into the action under the lights of Europe’s biggest competition. Hugo Ekitike, who had been operating in the role, drops to the bench as Isak joins Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, and Cody Gakpo in a star-studded attack.
Elsewhere, Alexis Mac Allister misses out after suffering a minor ankle knock against Burnley. Dominik Szoboszlai moves back into midfield alongside Ryan Gravenberch, having filled in at right-back during recent games. At left-back, Andy Robertson returns to the starting lineup for the first time this season, replacing Milos Kerkez. On the opposite flank, Jeremie Frimpong starts after making his comeback from a hamstring injury as a substitute at Turf Moor.
One notable absentee is Federico Chiesa, who has been left out of Liverpool’s 23-man Champions League squad, meaning supporters will have to wait longer to see him in European action.
Diego Simeone fields a team for Atletico Madrid that combines new energy with experience. Giacomo Raspadori and Antoine Griezmann lead the attack, while Robin Le Normand, a recent addition, serves as the defensive center.
Liverpool wants to get off to a fast start in their attempt to reclaim European glory after finishing first in the standings the previous season. Simeone’s consistent contenders, Atletico, will try to thwart Slot’s offensive strategy and counterattack.
An exciting European evening is in store, with the Kop in full force and Isak leading the line for his debut. All eyes will be on whether Liverpool’s record signing can deliver on the grand stage and announce himself in style to the Anfield faithful.
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
Atlético XI: Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Galán; Simeone, Barrios, Gallagher, González; Griezmann, Raspadori.
