Liverpool and Atletico Madrid will launch their 2026-27 Champions League journey with an exciting League Phase clash at Anfield on Wednesday evening. This matchup mirrors the opening day of last season, where Liverpool edged out Atletico with a thrilling 3-2 victory at home, highlighted by Virgil van Dijk's dramatic winner in the 92nd minute. After drawing 2-2 against both Newcastle and Nottingham Forest in their previous Premier League outings, Liverpool finally secured their first win under manager Andoni Iraola last Friday, triumphing 2-0 away at Ipswich Town. Alexander Isak, described as a "massive player," scored both goals within the first nine minutes, ensuring Iraola did not become the first Liverpool manager since Brendan Rodgers to go winless in his first three league matches. The Spaniard acknowledged that the team "needed that one" given their recent struggles. Iraola is set to experience Champions League management for the first time, while Liverpool, with six titles to their name, aim to improve on last season's quarter-final exit and end an eight-year drought for the prestigious trophy. Liverpool has been in fine form, scoring in their last nine competitive matches across all competitions, managing at least two goals in six of those games. Their last Champions League campaign ended in the quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain, losing 4-0 on aggregate. Entering this year's League Phase, Liverpool has consistently finished in the top three of the 36-team table over the past two seasons, winning the 2024-25 edition and finishing third last year with six victories out of eight. They have also enjoyed success against Spanish teams, winning their last six League Phase encounters and keeping four clean sheets in five matches.