Julián Álvarez and Atlético Madrid begin their UEFA Champions League campaign today with a major road test against Liverpool at Anfield.
Liverpool hosts Atlético Madrid on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET.
One of the biggest questions surrounding Atlético ahead of kickoff was whether Álvarez would be fit enough to start.
So, is Julián Álvarez starting for Atlético Madrid against Liverpool today?
Yes. Julián Álvarez is starting for Atlético Madrid against Liverpool in today’s UEFA Champions League match. Diego Simeone has named the Argentine forward in his starting XI at Anfield, with Álvarez set to lead the Atlético attack alongside Lee Kang-in.
Is Julián Álvarez Starting vs. Liverpool Today?
Yes, Julián Álvarez is in Atlético Madrid’s starting lineup against Liverpool.
Álvarez had entered the match with some uncertainty surrounding whether he would be ready to start.
Atlético manager Diego Simeone had indicated ahead of the game that Álvarez was not yet ready to start, raising the possibility that the Argentine would begin the Champions League opener on the bench.
However, Simeone has ultimately included Álvarez in his starting XI for the match at Anfield.
That gives Atlético one of its biggest attacking weapons from the opening whistle against Liverpool.
Atlético Madrid Starting Lineup vs. Liverpool
Atlético Madrid’s starting XI against Liverpool is:
Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak
Defense: Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, Cristian Romero, David Hancko
Midfield: Giuliano Simeone, Pablo Barrios, Koke, Álex Baena
Attack: Lee Kang-in, Julián Álvarez
Álvarez’s inclusion provides Atlético with pace, movement and a significant goal-scoring threat against Liverpool’s defense.
Why Was Julián Álvarez’s Status in Question?
There had been doubt over whether Álvarez would be able to start the Champions League match after Simeone suggested before the game that the forward was not yet ready to be included in the starting XI.
That made his eventual inclusion a notable change for Atlético.
Rather than keeping Álvarez on the bench and potentially introducing him later in the match, Simeone has decided to use the Argentine from the start at Anfield.
His fitness and workload could still be something to watch as the match progresses.
Who Is Julián Álvarez Playing With in Attack?
Álvarez is starting alongside Lee Kang-in in Atlético Madrid’s attack.
The pairing gives Atlético two technically gifted attacking players capable of creating opportunities both in transition and around Liverpool’s penalty area.
Álvarez will likely serve as Atlético’s primary goal threat, while Lee can provide creativity and movement around him.
Atlético also has attacking support from midfield, including Álex Baena and Giuliano Simeone.
Julián Álvarez vs. Liverpool
Álvarez is no stranger to playing against Liverpool.
Before joining Atlético Madrid, the Argentine played for Manchester City in the Premier League, giving him previous experience against Liverpool and at Anfield.
That familiarity could be valuable as Atlético attempts to secure a positive result away from home in its Champions League opener.
The atmosphere at Anfield and Liverpool’s aggressive style will provide an immediate challenge for Álvarez and Atlético.
Liverpool vs. Atlético Madrid Match Information
| Match Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Liverpool vs. Atlético Madrid |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League |
| Date | Wednesday, September 9, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| Stadium | Anfield |
| Location | Liverpool, England |
| Julián Álvarez Status | Starting |
| Atlético Manager | Diego Simeone |
What Time Does Julián Álvarez Play Today?
Julián Álvarez and Atlético Madrid are scheduled to face Liverpool at 3:00 p.m. ET.
Kickoff times across the United States are:
- Eastern Time: 3:00 p.m.
- Central Time: 2:00 p.m.
- Mountain Time: 1:00 p.m.
- Pacific Time: 12:00 p.m.
Álvarez will be on the field from kickoff after being selected in Atlético Madrid’s starting lineup.
Is Julián Álvarez Playing Today?
Yes. Julián Álvarez is playing for Atlético Madrid today, and he is starting against Liverpool.
Despite uncertainty over whether he would be ready to start, Diego Simeone has selected the Argentine forward in his XI for the Champions League matchup at Anfield.
Álvarez will start alongside Lee Kang-in as Atlético looks to open its European campaign with a positive result away against Liverpool.
For fans specifically tuning in to watch the Argentine star, Julián Álvarez is officially in Atlético Madrid’s starting lineup against Liverpool today.