Liverpool's UEFA Champions League 26/27 Opponents: Full Breakdown
The Reds are set for eight matches in the group phase of the Champions League. Here’s a detailed look at the eight teams Andoni Iraola’s squad will encounter during the campaign.
Atletico Madrid (Home)
Liverpool's first fixture is against Atletico Madrid, still under Diego Simeone’s leadership. Known for his fiery sideline presence, Simeone consistently inspires his players to perform strongly in big games, especially against clubs like Liverpool. Key threats include forward Julian Alvarez, who despite wanting to move to Barcelona, remains with Atletico. Midfielder Alex Baena has also started the season impressively following his World Cup success with Spain.
LASK (Away)
The initial away game takes place in Austria against LASK, the reigning Austrian champions. Although it might seem less daunting, LASK’s home ground creates an intense atmosphere, proven when Celtic fell to them in a dramatic Champions League qualifier, overturning a 3-0 deficit to win 5-4 on aggregate. They typically play a 3-4-3 system, which Liverpool has struggled against previously, posing a genuine challenge.
Villarreal (Home)
Next is Villarreal, a familiar Spanish team regularly reaching the Champions League. Despite a rocky start to their current season without a win in four games, they finished 3rd in La Liga last year, ahead of Atletico Madrid. Players to watch include ex-Premier Leaguer Ayoze Perez, Nicolas Pepe, and promising young winger Alberto Moleiro.
Fenerbahce (Away)
An away trip to Turkey is notoriously tough, as Liverpool experienced facing Galatasaray last season. Fenerbahce, runners-up in the Turkish league last year, qualified by beating Lyon over two legs. Their season so far has been mixed, but with former Premier League stars like N'Golo Kante, Nathan Ake, Ederson, and Romelu Lukaku, they have the potential to be dangerous if they click.
Club Brugge (Away)
Belgian side Club Brugge impressed last season with strong performances against major clubs, including draws and wins against Barcelona, Monaco, and Marseille. They also battled Atletico Madrid closely in the qualifiers. Experienced players like Hans Vanaken and Brandon Mechele combine with talents such as striker Nicolo Tresoldi and winger Mamadou Diakhon, creating a balanced squad.
FC Porto (Home)
Porto, Portuguese champions, have become familiar opponents for Liverpool over recent years, with the Reds winning six out of seven meetings in the past eight years. This year's Porto squad looks particularly strong, featuring striker Andre Silva, Portugal's top goalkeeper Diogo Costa, defender Jakub Kiwior, and striker Santiago Gimenez. After winning their domestic league under Francesco Farioli, Porto aims to go far in Europe.
Inter Milan (Away)
Inter Milan, Italian champions with three Champions League titles, welcome Liverpool this season. Their summer signings include Premier League veterans John Stones and Djed Spence, alongside former Liverpool player Curtis Jones, adding intrigue to the matchup. Established stars like Lautaro Martinez, Nicolo Barella, and Manuel Akanji make this trip to San Siro potentially Liverpool’s toughest test.
Lens (Home)
The group stage concludes at Anfield against French side Lens, who finished second in Ligue 1 last season, just six points behind PSG. Lens lost key players and their manager Pierre Sage over the summer. Liverpool will hope to have secured qualification to the Round of 16 by then, especially with crucial league matches against Manchester United and Everton surrounding this fixture, potentially allowing some squad rotation.
