Liverpool v Atletico Madrid preview: Key stats and player info

Andoni Iraola's first Champions League fixture in charge of Liverpool is a familiar one for Reds supporters, with Atletico Madrid the visitors to Anfield. The Reds, who are six-time European champions, were knocked out of the Champions League last season 4-0 on aggregate by eventual winners PSG. They earned their first win under Iraola on Friday, as Alexander Isak netted twice at Ipswich Town in the Premier League. It has been a turbulent summer for Atletico Madrid, with the saga surrounding Julian Alvarez's future dominating much of the discussion. Diego Simeone's side did enjoy a strong run in this competition last campaign, as they made it to the semi-finals before being eventually beaten by Arsenal . Did you know? The game is a repeat of last season's league phase opener. Virgil van Dijk scored a stoppage-time winner for the Reds, who emerged as 3-2 victors. Marcos Llorente scored both goals for Atletico in that encounter. He has four goals in two appearances at Liverpool and has named his dog 'Anfield' after his brace at the stadium in the 2020 Champions League. [Getty Images] Key Atletico Madrid players - Alex Baena A surprise star for Spain at the World Cup this summer. He is the first player to win the World Cup, European Championship and the Olympics. Has already bettered last season's La Liga goal tally of two, netting three times in Atletico's first four league matches. He was asked by a reporter if he had "dressed up as Julian Alvarez" after scoring a superb free-kick vs Malaga - "No, I dressed up as Alex Baena" was his blunt response. Atletico Madrid squad summary Former Crystal Palace striker Alexander Sorloth is an injury doubt and winger Arnau Ortiz is suspended. After a turbulent summer being linked to a move away from Simeone's side, Julian Alvarez has made two substitute appearances. Alvarez was publicly courted by Barcelona and was keen on the move, but Atletico refused to sell. Simeone said he hopes the saga will be a "learning experience" for the ex- Manchester City man.