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By HARRY BAMFORTH, LIVE SPORTS COVERAGE REPORTER and LEWIS STEELE, FOOTBALL REPORTER and DOMINIC KING AT ANFIELD Updated: 06: 02 AEST, 18 September 2025 146 View comments Follow Daily Mail Sport's live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as Liverpool host Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, with Lewis Steele and Dominic King reporting from the ground. If I were Arne Slot, I'd give Alexander Isak 10 more minutes, maybe 15. It took teh Swede a while to get going, but the last 15 minutes of that half, he really started to get involved in the attacking play. A couple of shots, linking play with Florian Wirtz; it seemed like he had found his feet. Slot will probably still haul him off now, though. Now, we have to start here. I have to admit, I am surprised that VAR didn't chalk Marcos Llorente's goal off there. Antoine Griezmann was standing right in Alisson's eyeline as the shot came in, and he was miles offside. Surely that's interfering with play? That would have been chalked off in the Premier League, I imagine. There goes the whistle. Liverpool were coasting until Marcos Llorente halved their lead just a few moments ago. The Reds came flying out of the blocks, but as the half went by, the Spaniards grew into the game. Now they have their reward. The second half is going to be tasty. Oh, hello, hello, hello. .. Marcos Llorente loves Anfield, and five years after he scored a brace here to knock Liverpool out of this competition, he finds the net again. Giacomo Raspodori is dinked through, finds Llorente, and he just pokes the ball into the back of the net. Game on! Alexander Isak may have just four more minutes to find a goal. That's what we have for stoppage time, and I imagine that Isak will come off at the break. Ohhhhh. .. it should be three! That is Florian Wirtz at his very best as he drives forward and plays a lovely give-and-go with Alexander Isak. Wirtz is through; he then tries to take the ball past Jan Oblak, but as he touches it around him, Jeremie Frimpong gets in his way. That would have been one hell of a goal. Alexander Isak has well and truly arrived now. The Swede is really getting involved now, and once again he finds himself in a shooting position. He picks up the ball outside the area, shifts it to his right, and then drives one toward the bottom corner. There is a huge 'oooo' as he lets fly, but its cut out as Jan Oblak denies him. Ooooft. .. Alexander Isak finally gets his first sight of goal in a Liverpool shirt, and it's not a bad one. The Swede is surrounded by Atletico bodies, but still manages to dig out a bending effort which flies just wide. Straight from the goal kick, Madrid give the ball away and Mohamed Salah is then in, but he fires straight at Jan Oblak. This game has come to life again! Ally Mc Coist, former Rangers striker, on TNT Sports: That is actually terrible. Clement Llenglet was penalised for handball initially, but replays show the ball didn't even touch his hand as he went to tackle Jeremie Frimpiong. The referee sees what an awful decision he has made, and he reverse his decision. That's is an absolute shocker. Wait, what? ?? Liverpool have been handed a penalty, but I genuinely have no idea why, and neither does the rest of Anfield. Surely this is going to be overturned here? I'm not sure the reason its even been given. Liverpool fans, you can breathe easy. Alexander Isak has had some of that magic sponge treatment and he is AOK to continue. Robin Le Normand was booked for that challenge, by the way. I realised I forgot to tell you. Oooooooh. .. Welcome back to football, Alexander Isak. I think I just heard a massive cheer from Newcastle as Isak is cleaned out by Robin Le Normand. It's a proper cruncher, and Isak is hurt. Play goes on, though, and Mohamed Salah is in, but his effort is foiled by Jan Oblak. Alexander Isak hasn't been involved too much yet. To be fair to the lad, Liverpool haven't conjured up too many attacks in the last 10 or so minutes, which doesn't help. He probably has about 15 minutes to do something because I suspect he will be hooked at half-time. No pressure, son. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. .. They may have to look out for the ball at Bramley-Moore Dock because Nico Gonzalez has just sent one out of the ground. It's that bad of an effort that it may end up in the River Mersey. By Dominic King At Anfield That's a big interception by Jeremie Frimpong! The full-nback saves Liverpool's skin after the defence nods off and allows Antoine Griezmann to get sent through down the left. The forward tries to pull the ball back into a dangerous area, but Frimping just about gets his foot in the way. Atletico are starting to grow into the game. The clock has struck 20 minutes, and you know what that means. The Diogo Jota chant rings around Anfield, as it has done in every single game this season. It is then interrupted by Mohamed Salah, who comes within inches of adding a spectacular third. He bends one just past the post, and boy, was that close. Atletico Madrid are starting to finally give Liverpool something to think about. They have a lot of pace on the counter, and there have been a couple of occasions where both Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch have had to step in to halt something dangerous happening. They need to be careful here. That's poor from Cody Gakpo. .. Liverpool play some absolutely filthy football, starting with Dominik Szoboszlai winning the ball. There is some lovely one-touch footie that sees Gakpo race into space with the ball, but rather than pass he dilly dallies on the ball and loses it. Alexander Isak was screaming for it to his left. .. We have our first sight of Alexander Isak with the ball. He has obviously been taught a lot by Cody Gakpo because he uses his classic move. Isak drifts over to the left and decides to cut inside, but rather than shoot, he does a cheeky stepover and decides to pass. The skills get a lovely little cheer. OK, OK, things have calmed down a little. Liverpool are allowing both Atletico, and us journos, some respite. They are just knocking the ball about with ease now. I'm not sure the away side knows what has just hit them, they look stunned. And breathe. .. My word, Liverpool have not given me a moment's rest in the early moments here. The Reds look hungry for more as well, they are all over Atletico Madrid right now. This could get messy. TWO IN TWO MINUTES! This is the Liverpool we have been waiting to see this season, and boy, have they arrived in style at last. Mohamed Salah shows he still got it, playing a lovely give-and-go with Ryan Gravenberch before drilling the ball into the bottom corner. Liverpool are in dreamland. What a start! ! What the hell has just happened? Liverpool take the lead in very strange circumstances, but Andy Robertson does not give two hoots. The full-back opens the scoring just four minutes into his first start of the season, but he didn't know much about it. Mohamed Salah's free-kick just bounces off him and goes in. The perfect start for Liverpool. I have to say, aesthetically, this game is very good to watch. Both teams have cracking kits. The Atletico third kit is a belter, much like Chelsea's. And well, we all know how nice Liverpool's Adidas strip is. This has the feeling of a proper European night. I feel we may have a classic in store. Personally, I hope there are lots of goals. We all just want to be entertained, don't we? The teams are ready, the fans are ready, and off we go! This is a proper European night atmosphere. The Liverpool fans turned up tonight, and they are bringing the noise. It's very, very loud in here. You'll Never Walk Alone is always sung earlier on European nights, and they have just produced a beautiful rendition of it. Spine-tingling. The Atletico fans stopped their chants and just admired the song. Many even had their phones out to record it. 'Liverpool, Liverpool, Liverpool, ' then rings around all four stands, before the players come out of the tunnel. This place is bouncing. How are we all feeling? There is a buzz of excitement that is just getting more and more prominent as the kick-off closes in. The warm-ups are done, Anfield is nearly full, and there are fewer than 10 minutes until this game gets cracking. I have my fingers crossed that it's a belter. Leon Osman, former Everton midfielder, on Radio 5 Live: By William Bridges, Daily Mail: Liverpool: Liverpool have strong credentials in Europe, winning the Champions League six times. They also have three Europa Leagues, and four Super Cups, being a strong team at home, especially in European games where Anfield has been proven to be a tough ground for opposing teams. Liverpool’s star men include Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Alisson. Atletico Madrid: Atletico also possess strong European credentials becoming Champions League finalists three times, winning the Europa League three times, and the Super Cup three times. Well known for their defensive solidity, being especially useful in tight matches. Atletico has some experienced players such as Antoine Griezmann and Jan Oblak. Steve Mc Manaman, former Liverpool midfielder, on TNT Sports: Right guys, I have just read a mental stat that I have to share. .. Conor Gallagher being the only Englishman in either Liverpool or Atlético's line-up tonight is the first time a non-English club has provided the only English starter in a Champions League game involving an English side since David Beckham started for Real Madrid against Arsenal in March 2006. Yep, I know. Mental. With Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harvey Elliott having left, plus Curtis Jones being injured, Arne Slot hasn't called upon an Englishman this season. So it leaves Gallagher to fly the flag at Anfield tonight. Arne Slot, Liverpool boss, speaking to TNT Sports avout starting Alexander Isak: On starting Isak or Hugo Ekitike on the wing: Here he is! That's a decent little cheer from the Liverpool fans. There aren't many inside here yet, but those that are have just given a cheeky roar toward Alexander Isak. The £125million forward has just hopped onto the Anfield turf for the very first time as a Liverpool player. He gives a little clap, but then it's straight to work. By William Bridges, Daily Mail: Head-to-head stats (courtesy of UEFA): Gefeliciteerd met je verjaardag, Arne! I'm pretty sure that means Happy Birthday in Dutch. Well, that's what Google Translate has told me. The Dutchman turns 47 years old today, and I bet there is only one present that he wants. .. three points. Then his players can get the bunting out in the dressing room. Is that an Ikea logo I see? These Liverpool fans must be ecstatic that Alexander Isak is starting, given the effort they went through to get this flag sorted. At first, I thought this was a Swedish flag, but then I realised what it was. A classic move. They won't be the only fans buzzing, I'm pretty sure everybody who is hovering around Anfield will be excited to see Isak. I personally can't wait to watch him in red and see how he fares. Andy Robertson, Liverpool vice-captain, on TNT Sports: On fighting with Miloz Kerkez to start: On Atletico Madrid: Michael Owen, former Liverpool striker, on TNT Sports: Right, we have to talk about Liverpool's start to the season, don't we? To say it has been mental is an understatement. Four wins from four in the Premier League, but that is only half the story. They have needed four winning goals after the 80th minute to win those games. Social media has been rife with rival fans calling it luck, and I guess elements of it are. I mean, we have never seen a start to the season like it. However, I think calling Liverpool lucky is a bit harsh. I get it for the Newcastle game, because they were second best by some way, but for the others, it feels harsh. At Burnley, for example, yes, they weren't anywhere near their best, but they knocked at the door for 95 minutes, barely giving Burnley a sniff. When you do that, something is bound to go your way. Yes, we are yet to see the best of Liverpool, but I wouldn't say they have been as shocking as many have made out. Maybe tonight is the night we see what they are truly about. A penny for Hugo Ekitike's thoughts. .. The lad got four games, and now he has been benched. Whether he is a team player or not, that will sting a little. I'm sure the lad will get at least 30 minutes, but Arne Slot's call basically signifies that he is the No. 2 striker. It's to be expected, but many thought that he may get a go on the left. Obviously not. Despite a strong start to the season, Ekitike drops to the bench. Diego Simeone has named his line-up. As you can see, there is no Julian Alvarez who is out through injury for the first time since 2022. Yep, pretty crazy. Summer signing Giacomo Raspadori takes the striker position, with Antoine Griezmann behind him. England midfielder Conor Gallagher also starts. Wow, I can't lie, I didn't see that coming. When I was texting a friend early, I told him that I expected Alexander Isak to get 15 minutes at the most at the end of the game. But what do I know, eh? To go from not being fit enough for the squad to getting a start in the Champions League is pretty mental really. He must have shown a lot in training to get Arne Slot to make that call. I'd be surprised if he got more than 60 minutes, but at this point, who actually knows? What I do know, though, is that Reds fans will be BUZZING. Big, big, big news! Alexander Isak isn't just in the squad, but he will start for Liverpool this evening. Who saw this coming? Hugo Ekitike drops to the bench, as does Alexis Mac Allister, with Jeremie Frimpong coming in. Milos Kerkez is also dropped for Andy Robertson. Liverpool fans will be making their way to Anfield tonight, wondering if they are going to watch their new £125million man in action at last. It's been a couple of weeks since he signed, so it's valid. Arne Slot left Alexander Isak out of the Liverpool squad for their win at Burnley because he lacked match fitness. I mean, that's kind of what happens when you go AWOL and avoid pre-season to push for a move. Well, a few days of training have now passed, and going by Slot's pre-match comments, it feels like we will see Isak at some point tonight. I'm almost certain he will be on the bench, but you never know, eh, he may even start? We will find out in just a few minutes. Arne Slot, Liverpool head coach, speaking on Tuesday: On whether Alexander Isak will be in the squad: The Champions League was a proper rollercoaster ride for Liverpool last season. They won the league phase at an absolute canter, and the majority just assumed they would be able to go all the way. I mean, at the same time, they were coasting to the Premier League title. But what was their reward for winning the league phase? That's right, they had to face a rejuvenated PSG. Not exactly the match-up you'd expect after topping the group, is it? It almost felt cruel, but that's football. Obviously, we all know what happened. PSG knocked the Reds out on penalties and went on to win the whole thing, and in style. So, the question is: have Liverpool learned from their shortcomings, and are they ready to win ol' Big Ears again? Well, they look completely different, given that almost £450million was pumped into the squad. It's completely different, and as the Premier League has shown, it's taking time for them to gel. Once they do, though, they will be incredible and able to fight on all fronts. Given that they secured the Premier League last season, the Champions League will be top of their goals list this year. They have a tough start to the campaign, but if they get through tonight and the games thereafter, you'd expect them to be up with PSG and Arsenal as the favourites. Can they start with a bang at Anfield tonight? Yep, it's going to be another stacked night of footie in Europe. Last night was just the starter, and it was the equivalent of calamari bites - a good way to kick off a meal - and now it's time for the main course. This blog focuses just on what is happening at Anfield this evening, but there are some big matches elsewhere too. Here is the schedule: Let's start back where we left off last night, shall we? I mean, it was one hell of an opening night. Goals galore, red cards, penalty drama. It had it all. Arsenal started the evening off in style over in Spain, as they took down Athletic Bilbao at the San Mames. It was far from a vintage performance, that's for sure, but Mikel Arteta showed why this summer's investment will be pivotal for his team's season. The size of their squad is what earned them three points tonight. The Spaniard brought Gabriel Martinelli on for a struggling Eberechi Eze in the 71st minute, and 36 seconds later, he opened the scoring out of the blue. And three minutes from time, Martinelli raced down the left before setting up fellow substitute Leandro Trossard to seal the point. It was a brilliant night all around for those from north London, as Arsenal's rivals Tottenham also started with a win as they took down Villarreal. Another tough evening, but they got the job done. Elsewhere, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund played out an eight-goal thriller in which the Italians scored two stoppage-time goals to earn a point. Real Madrid were also involved in a dramatic 90 minutes, somehow getting a win despite being down to 10 men against Marseille, courtesy of two Kylian Mbappe penalties. And breathe. .. you got all that? I hope so because I am not typing about last night again, that's all you are getting. Is there any place better on a European night? When nightfall descends on Anfield this evening, the place will be electric. Big games like this get the best out of Liverpool fans, and tonight will be no different. Liverpool kick their Champions League campaign off with nearly as tough a test as they could have got, with Atletico Madrid coming to town. Now, now, I know many people just believe that the Reds will walk all over Atletico, given they have been dubbed the 'new Galacticos', but anybody who knows anything about Diego Simeone's side will know how hard this match will be for the Premier League champions. It ain't going to be no walk in the park. What it hopefully will be, though, is an absolute cracker of an evening. This is the Champions League, it's never dull, is it? Last night proved that. So, without further ado, let's get this show on the road! All the new user names that suddenly appear on all. ..

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