Liverpool begin their 2026-27 Champions League campaign against Atletico Madrid at Anfield tonight, with Bradley Barcola in contention to make his first start for the club. Andoni Iraola has also provided the latest injury update while reports suggest Liverpool are close to securing a major new shirt sponsorship agreement.
Barcola ready for more minutes
Bradley Barcola could make his first Liverpool start against Atletico Madrid after appearing from the bench in Friday’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Ipswich Town.
The France international played around 30 minutes at Portman Road following his £123 million move from Paris Saint-Germain.
Iraola confirmed on Tuesday that Barcola has trained normally since joining Liverpool and is ready for a greater role.
“I think he’s ready to play more minutes,” Iraola said. “He has been training quite normally.”
The Liverpool head coach added that Barcola’s lack of pre-season match minutes will still be considered when selecting his starting XI. (Liverpool FC)
Liverpool open Champions League campaign
Liverpool host Atletico Madrid at Anfield tonight in their first Champions League league-phase fixture of the season.
Kick-off is at 8pm BST – 4.30am Thursday in Adelaide. (Liverpool FC)
It will also be Iraola’s first Champions League match as a head coach. He previously managed 12 Europa League matches during his time with AEK Larnaca. (Liverpool FC)
Liverpool and Atletico have met nine times in European competition, with Liverpool recording four wins and Atletico three. Liverpool has won the past three meetings between the clubs.
The most recent came in last season’s Champions League when Virgil van Dijk scored a stoppage-time winner in Liverpool’s 3-2 victory at Anfield. (Liverpool FC)
Atletico enters the match following a 3-0 La Liga defeat away to Athletic Club on Saturday. (Sky Sports)
Injury update ahead of Atletico
Joe Gomez is nearing a return from the muscle injury he suffered during Liverpool’s pre-season tour.
However, Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni remain unavailable as they continue their rehabilitation from longer-term injuries. (Liverpool FC)
Federico Chiesa will also miss tonight’s match. The Italian is recovering from an injury suffered last month and was not included in Liverpool’s squad for the Champions League league phase.
Wataru Endo is also unavailable after being omitted from the European squad. (Liverpool FC)
Atletico will be without Alexander Sorloth through injury while Arnau Ortiz is suspended. (Liverpool FC)
Liverpool linked with major new shirt deal
Liverpool are reportedly close to agreeing a new main shirt sponsorship agreement worth around £300 million.
Sky Sports reported on Tuesday that the proposed agreement would begin next season. Further details of the prospective sponsor and final terms have not yet been officially announced by Liverpool FC. (Sky Sports)
The development remains a report rather than a confirmed commercial agreement at this stage.
Iraola ready for first Champions League night
Iraola described tonight’s match as a significant occasion but said his focus remains on securing a result rather than his personal milestone.
The Liverpool head coach also praised Atletico manager Diego Simeone for maintaining the Spanish club’s competitiveness over an extended period.
Liverpool enters the match after collecting five points from its opening three Premier League fixtures, including its first victory of the season against Ipswich on Friday. (Liverpool FC)
The Reds return to Premier League action against Fulham at Anfield on Saturday before hosting Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup next Tuesday. (Sky Sports)
Sources: Liverpool FC and Sky Sports. (Liverpool FC)
