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Sean Walsh

Alexander Isak STARTS! Liverpool's new £125m striker named in lineup to face Atletico Madrid for debut in Champions League opener

A. Isak
Liverpool
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid
Champions League

Liverpool have named Alexander Isak in their starting lineup to take on Atletico Madrid in their first Champions League game of the season on Wednesday night. This will mark the Sweden international's debut for the Reds following his £125m move from Newcastle United over the summer. He was notably left out of the squad to face Burnley on Sunday afternoon.

  • Burnley v Liverpool - Premier LeagueGetty Images Sport

    Isak continues to build up fitness

    Head coach Arne Slot revealed at the weekend that he was slowly planning to integrate Isak into the starting lineup after training alone for most of pre-season. The forward went on strike at Newcastle in order to try and force a move to Anfield. 

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  • Debut against familiar opponents

    Isak has previously faced Atletico during his time in Spain with La Liga side Real Sociedad. However, in six games against Diego Simeone's side, he only managed one win and scored one goal.

  • Frimpong returns to lineup after injury struggles

    Slot has made two other changes to the Liverpool lineup that started against Burnley on Sunday. In addition to Isak coming in for Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong replaces Alexis Mac Allister after returning from injury, while Andy Robertson starts at left-back in place of Milos Kerkez, who was hooked during a disastrous first-half at Turf Moor.

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  • Liverpool FC v Atletico Madrid - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Second LegGetty Images Sport

    Liverpool's mixed head-to-head record vs Atletico Madrid

    Liverpool have faced Simeone's Atletico four times during the 2020s. They famously were dumped out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage by the Rojiblancos in 2019-20 in a failed attempt to defend their European title, though they got their revenge two seasons later with a pair of victories against Atleti in the group stage. Overall, the Reds have won three, drawn two and lost three of their meetings with Atletico.