Atletico Madrid are set for one of the anticipated matchups of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League Matchday 1, visiting Liverpool at Anfield. Nonetheless, as Los Colchoneros head to Merseyside on Wednesday, they’ve been dealt a regarding damage replace concerning star ahead Julian Alvarez.
After a sluggish begin in La Liga, Atletico earned their first official win of the 2025-26 season following the worldwide break. On Saturday, the staff secured a 2-0 victory over Villarreal, with Alvarez enjoying a key function by aiding Pablo Barrios for the opener within the ninth minute. But the match ended on a worrying observe for the Argentine.
Within the first half in opposition to Villarreal, Julian Alvarez suffered a minor knee pressure and was substituted at halftime, with coach Diego Simeone bringing Alexander Sørloth in. Spanish outlet El Chiringuito stories that he won’t journey with the squad to England for the Liverpool conflict.
Since becoming a member of Atletico from Manchester Metropolis final season, Alvarez has established himself as one of many world’s prime strikers. In his debut marketing campaign, he appeared in 57 video games, scoring 29 objectives and offering eight assists, together with a controversial Champions League penalty that prompted a rule change.
Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid controls the ball in the course of the LaLiga EA Sports activities match between Atletico de Madrid and Villarreal CF at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on September 13, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.
Liverpool, in the meantime, come into the match after profitable final season’s Premier League and beginning 2025-26 with 4 wins in 4 video games. After spending greater than half a billion {dollars} in the summertime switch market, the Reds are seen as main UCL contenders, making Alvarez’s absence a big blow for the guests.
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Atletico Madrid combating health points
Past Alvarez’s setback, head coach Diego Simeone faces further challenges as a result of latest health points. Towards Villarreal, David Hancko was compelled off within the 83rd minute and is more likely to be a part of Thiago Almada, José María Giménez, and Álex Baena on the sidelines.
Related considerations arose for Nicolás González and Robin Le Normand, who had been additionally substituted, although each responded nicely post-match and are anticipated to be out there. Nonetheless, Atletico will enter the Liverpool conflict lacking a number of key gamers, placing added stress on the squad.
