One of the UEFA Champions League title favourites takes the field for the first time in league-phase play as Liverpool host La Liga giants Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday to begin their European campaign.
Liverpool have been shaky in defence of their Premier League title, but the Reds have largely gotten away with their missteps, sitting back atop the domestic table as the only perfect team through the first four matches. There was significant roster turnover at the club this past summer, and Arne Slot is still very much working out the kinks.
The Dutch boss is hoping to improve on last season’s disappointing early exit from the competition, when they were bounced in the Round of 16 by eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.
Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, are missing injured striker Julian Alvarez, who was amongst the La Liga goal-scoring leaders last season and has been a truly excellent addition since joining from Manchester City.
MORE: Predicted lineups, team news, and latest injury updates ahead of Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid
Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid prediction, odds
- Moneyline lean: Liverpool (-200 on DraftKings)
- Score prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Atletico Madrid
Liverpool have been far from their best to start this season, but they have managed to secure results regardless of their shaky performances on the pitch. Facing a top European contender while still in the development stages of their squad retool would be a problematic prospect, but they have a favourable task here.
Atletico Madrid on their day are a threat to anyone, but circumstances are working against Diego Simeone in this instance. The absence of the injured Alvarez is a real concern, and playing away at Anfield will make the task even more difficult.
With Alexander Isak likely available off the bench to help Liverpool if they get in any trouble, the Reds should be able to take care of business in this match, even if it requires another Houdini-like escape.
| DraftKings (USA) |
|
| Liverpool win | -200 |
| Draw | +350 |
| Atletico Madrid win | +500 |
| Both teams to score |
Y: -140 N: +110 |
| Over / Under 2.5 goals |
O: -170 U: +135 |
| Liverpool -1.5 goals |
+130 |
| Atletico Madrid +1.5 goals |
-180 |
Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid match facts
- Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 8 p.m. local (3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT)
- Location: Anfield Stadium (Liverpool, England)
- Referee: Maurizio Mariani (ITA)
- Last meeting: Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid (Nov. 3, 2021 | Champions League)
MORE: A complete guide to betting on soccer in the United States
Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid best bet
- Pick: Both teams to score & Over 2.5 total goals
- Odds: -105 (DraftKings)
Liverpool have been spotty up front as they look to integrate new attackers Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. Wirtz was better in the Burnley game as he pulled the strings against a bunkered opponent, something he’s much more used to from his Bayer Leverkusen days.
Atletico will attempt to press Liverpool and look for transitional opportunities, but Wirtz will still have plenty of time to work in the half-court against Simeone’s disciplined and organised setup. Liverpool’s openness so far this season will also give Atleti opportunities, meaning there will be chances at both ends.
Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid prop bet
- Pick: Giacomo Raspadori 2+ total shots
- Odds: +100 on DraftKings
Without Alvarez, the main attacking threat for Atletico Madrid was thought to be Alexander Sorloth, but Diego Simeone pulled a fast one and elected to start Giacomo Raspadori instead.
With Sorloth likely to come off the bench meaning both will split the minutes, it’ll be hard to trust either one, but the bar is low for the Italian, needing just two total efforts to trigger an even money return.
Liverpool like to run and create chaos, which has led to a significant number of opposition chances so far in Premier League play. That plays perfectly into Atleti’s hand, as Raspadori has been bright for Simeone since joining from Napoli this summer.
In three substitute appearances for the club, totaling just 49 minutes, Raspadori has collected five shots, indicating he should manage to hit the threshold when starting from the off. He was extremely bright for Italy on the international break, scoring in both games off the bench while collecting five shots across the two games, so he’s in good form coming into this big game.
