Union Carl Berner Panoramica

Julian Alvarez has been included in Atletico Madrid's travelling squad to face Liverpool in their Champions League opener at Anfield on Wednesday. The Argentine forward recently returned to competitive action following intense transfer speculation over the summer, as Diego Simeone's side prepares for another demanding European test on Merseyside.

The road to Madrid begins this week as the league phase gets under way - but which teams are currently looking in the best shape to go on and lift the European Cup?

Nico Williams scored his first league goal since May as Athletic Bilbao earned a dominant 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid. The Spanish winger praised head coach Edin Terzic for instilling a winning mentality that dismantled Diego Simeone's side at San Mames.

Marcos Llorente has admitted that Atletico Madrid desperately need Julian Alvarez to find his scoring boots after Diego Simeone's side suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat against Athletic Club on Saturday. The Argentina international made his first appearance since a move to Barcelona collapsed, and his teammates are now determined to help him rediscover his best form.