Liverpool Vs Atlético Madrid [3-2] Champions League 2025/2026: Another Late Winner Masks LFC Defensive Concerns – Tactical Analysis

Wednesday night saw yet another stoppage-time winner for Arne Slot’s Liverpool. 

Virgil van Dijk’s 92nd-minute goal gave Liverpool their fifth straight win, with four of those wins coming via stoppage-time goals. 

Liverpool went two goals ahead in the first six minutes, thanks to a couple of fortunate bounces from Salah. 

Diego Simeone’s side did not quit despite the early deficit and clawed their way back into the match with two goals from Marcos Llorente. 

It was yet another match where Arne Slot’s team tossed away a two-goal advantage, which is very concerning for the Reds. 

In the end, it’s three points for Liverpool, but Atlético Madrid gave them everything they could handle. 

In this Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid tactical analysis article, we will examine Atlético Madrid’s build-up against Liverpool’s high press, how Liverpool set up tactically with Alexander Isak in the lineup, and how Atlético Madrid erased Liverpool’s 2-0 lead. 

Liverpool Vs Atlético Madrid Lineups & Formations

Liverpool came out in Arne Slot’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. 

Alisson occupied his usual spot in goal behind Liverpool’s main centre-back pairing, Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk. 

Andy Robertson got his first start of the season at left-back, while Jeremie Frimpong returned from injury to start at right-back. 

For the first time this season, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch started together as the double pivot in midfield. 

Florian Wirtz occupied his usual spot at the number ‘10’. 

Mo Salah started at right wing, while Cody Gakpo started at left wing. 

Alexander Isak got his first start up top as Liverpool’s number nine since transferring from Newcastle United. 

Arne Slot made five substitutions in the match. 

In the 58th minute, he made a triple substitution, bringing on Alexis Mac Allister for Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike for Alexander Isak, and Conor Bradley for Jeremie Frimpong. 

Diego Simeone lined up Atlético Madrid in their fourth straight match in their preferred 4-4-2 formation. 

Jan Oblak started in goal for Atlético Madrid, behind Robin Le Normand and Clément Lenglet, who were the centre-back pairing for the third straight match.

Marcos Llorente started at right-back, while Javi Galán got his first start of the season at left-back. 

Conor Gallagher and Pablo Barrios started as the two central midfielders, while Nicolás González started as the left midfielder, with Giuliano Simeone starting as the right midfielder. 

Antoine Griezmann started up top alongside Giacomo Raspadori, who was making his debut for Atlético Madrid. 

Diego Simeone made four substitutions on Wednesday night. 

Koke came on for Giacomo Raspadori in the 53rd minute. 

In the 61st minute, Alexander Sørloth replaced Antoine Griezmann, and Nahuel Molina replaced Conor Gallagher. 

The final substitution came in the 77th minute when Marc Pubill came on for Nicolás González. 

Atletico Madrid Build Up Vs Liverpool Press

Liverpool forced seven high turnovers and 32 danger zone losses in this match.

That may sound like a lot, but Atlético Madrid did still cause some trouble for the Reds when building out from the back.