The first matches of this season’s Champions League are about to get underway – and what a mouthwatering opener it is for Liverpool.

The English Premier League giants are at home to Spanish side Atletico Madrid, with the match kicking off on Thursday (05:00am AEST). So, how is this heavyweight clash going to play out?

Quick Picks

Our pick: Liverpool to win

Value bet: ‘Yes’ for the ‘Both Teams To Score

Long shot: Alex Baena to score for Atletico Madrid

Betting Preview

It has been a bit of a mixed bag for Liverpool so far this season. The English club suffered something of a disappointing 2025/26 season, eventually finishing fifth, an incredible 25 points behind Premier League Champions Arsenal.

There was hope that this season would get off to more of a flier under new boss Andoni Iraola – and while they are undefeated three games in, two draws have seen them drop points to Newcastle and Nottingham Forest in their first two matches of the season.

Their first win came against promoted side Ipswich, with Alexander Isak scoring twice in the first 10 minutes of the match, his second and third goals of the season so far.

And that return to the clinical finisher we saw so much of in Isak while he was at Newcastle could, and perhaps should, strike fear into Atletico Madrid fans.

They have seen their side stutter at the start of the season too. Four games into the start of Atletico Madrid's La Liga campaign, they have won two (against Malaga and Sevilla), drawn one (against Villareal) and got thumped 3-0 last time out against Athletic.

While they may have scored seven goals so far, only failing to score more than two in their defeat to Athletic, it’s at the other end of the pitch in which they have looked worryingly below par.

They’ve shipped six goals in those matches – and with Isak looking like he’s hitting form – their back line is going to have to be at their very best if they are to stand a chance at Anfield.

Betting Markets to Watch

Liverpool are favourites in the betting to win this match in the moneyline odds, with value to be found if you fancy a Spanish upset.

And there may be a bit of history behind that reckoning. Liverpool have beaten Atletico Madrid in each of their last three meetings.

Add to that the fact that Liverpool have never lost their opening match of the Champions League when they’ve played at home – winning 10 and drawing two – and you’ll see why the English side is favoured here.

But there will be value worth exploring in the goals market.

The BTTS is perhaps one to watch here, given the fact that both sides have shipped goals. Question marks definitely linger over Liverpool’s back four – and Atletico Madrid have a player in Alex Baena who hasn’t been shy in finding the back of the net so far this season. Given the combination, we think it’s likely to hit.

Winger Baena, by the way, has three goals so far this season – one against Malaga and two against Sevilla.

He’s also assisted one of Atletico’s goals this season too. Baena to score looks like interesting odds, although Liverpool at home should prove his sternest test so far.

Our Prediction

Check the latest Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid betting odds at Sportsbet.

Our prediction is that Liverpool will be the likely winners of this game.

With both teams struggling defensively so far this season, we think you could find more value in the ‘Both Teams to Score’ market. Both sides have been exposed this season.

And while Atletico Madrid will be keen to keep things tight, especially after their 3-0 drubbing last time out, we think Liverpool are going to be too much.

And if you wanted to look towards someone to breach a somewhat shaky Liverpool defence, Baena to score will be our long shot.