Liverpool resume their UEFA Champions League title defence as they return to the Metropolitano Stadium to take on Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Last 16 tie.
Having won last season’s tournament here eight months ago, Liverpool will be keen to enjoy more success as they look to seize the advantage against a struggling Atletico Madrid team.
Team news
Alvaro Morata is in contention to start for Atletico after returning from injury on Friday against Valencia in La Liga.
Jose Gimenez was an unused sub whilst Morata replaced Santiago Arias in the 66th minute, as all three returned from various injury woes.
Diego Costa (back), Joao Felix (muscle) and Hector Herrera (muscle) are all doubts, whilst Kieran Trippier (groin) definitely misses out.
Liverpool have no fresh injury concerns to report as Xherdan Shaqiri remains ruled out with a calf injury.
Yasser Larouci (hamstring) and Nathaniel Clyne (knee) also remain sidelined indefinitely.
Stat Attack
- Atletico Madrid has avoided defeat in three of four previous meetings against Liverpool (W1, D2, L1).
- Liverpool are winless in two previous trips to Atletico (D1, L1), although both results came at the old Vicente Calderon Stadium.
- Just one of Atletico’s five Champions League home goals this season has come before half time, courtesy of Joao Felix’s 17th minute penalty against Lokomotiv Moscow.
- Mohamed Salah has scored in each of Liverpool’s last two away Champions League games.
- Liverpool have progressed from each of their last five Round of 16 ties in the Champions League.
Prediction
This match is going to be quite telling in whether the winter break has worked in Liverpool’s favour or not, because they were sluggish against Norwich at times which is a slight concern.
Atletico meanwhile are all over the place defensively in recent weeks despite their strong home form, so I think Liverpool will like their chances if can get a quick dominant foothold on this game.
Atletico however are coming out of an injury crisis so will pose a sterner test than many might expect, although I do think Liverpool will have enough to take a slender lead back to Anfield.
Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1-2 Liverpool
Result: Atletico Madrid 1-0 Liverpool
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