FC Barcelona will fly to Paris later today as they get set to take on PSG in the UEFA Champions League tomorrow night in one of the most highly anticipated encounters of the league phase of the competition.
Ahead of their trip to France, manager Hansi Flick has announced the squad list of players who will be available at his disposal for the blockbuster clash.
As expected, Barça go into the game without several key players as both Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde miss out after getting injured this past weekend against Real Betis.
Meanwhile, Andreas Christensen also remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from his injury.
The number of defensive absences have led to Flick calling up young prospect Alex Campos to the squad to face Luis Enrique's side. The 18-year-old is a part of the Barça Atletic and could get an opportunity in the senior setup.

#champions #ahead

Atlético de Madrid have officially announced Diego Pablo Simeone's squad for the trip to Germany. The Rojiblancos face VfB Stuttgart in a decisive match on the third matchday of the UEFA Champions League league phase, with the Argentine coach taking a squad offering a range of tactical options.
The main news in Atlético's travelling squad is the return of Johnny Cardoso. The midfielder is back after missing the last league fixture against Espanyol through injury, providing a key defensive option to strengthen the midfield against the German side.
As for absentees, alongside captain Koke Resurrección, Cuti Romero will also be unavailable, joining Atlético's injury list for this Champions League clash. The defender has a muscle problem and will not be available to Simeone.
In goal, Jan Oblak heads a list of goalkeepers that also includes Juan Musso and academy product Salvador Esquivel. Meanwhile, the defensive options include Dávid Hancko, Marc Pubill, Robin Le Normand and Alejandro Grimaldo, who will underpin the structure set out by the coaching staff.
The squad is rounded out by creative talents such as Álex Baena, Lee Kang-in and Morten Hjulmand, alongside an attacking line led by Julián Álvarez, Alexander Sørloth and Giuliano Simeone. With this squad, Atlético will look to secure three vital points at the Neckarstadion.

#league #tico #injury #alongside

After the false start and the worst start, Michael Carrick ******* ounced it a fresh start. Manchester United have their fewest wins in their opening seven league games of a campaign for 40 years – just the one – and have not tasted victory in six matches in all competitions. Their manager nevertheless emerged from consecutive away games that brought defeat to Atletico Madrid and a draw at Leeds appearing more upbeat about their prospects.
"I understand the situation doesn't look too good if you look at it from a certain way, but I got no doubts that we can go on a good run," he said. That certain way could involve referencing results or the league table; seven games in, the club who finished third last season are already nine points adrift of the top three.
Carrick believes he has detected a good feeling around his squad, whether or not it stems from Lisandro Martinez's public criticism of director of football Jason Wilcox. "I felt like [it was] a bit of a fresh start today and where we're at, and accepting it and doing something about it," he said. Perhaps not doing enough about it, given the result was exactly the same – a 1-1 draw – as in their previous two league games.
Michael Carrick thinks Man United's new-look midfield, including Youri Tielemans (pictured), can lead their rebuild (Reuters)
If there is improvement in Carrick's camp, it has come from a low bar. And, in fairness, the performances in the intimidating atmospheres of the Metropolitano and Elland Road are not among United's four worst this season – Hull, Manchester City, Brighton, Tottenham – but, again, that is scarcely a compliment.

#carrick

Hansi Flick could turn to Barcelona's reserve team for defensive reinforcements ahead of their Champions League clash against PSG.
With Andreas Christensen already sidelined through injury, the German manager suffered another blow when both Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde picked up problems against Real Betis.
According to journalist Sergi Capdevila, young centre-back Alex Campos is emerging as the leading candidate to make the trip to Paris.
Barcelona currently have only five first-team defenders available, forcing Flick to consider alternatives from Barça Atletic.
Campos has impressed with his performances at the start of the season, putting himself in a strong position to earn an opportunity with the senior squad.

#league #andreas #eric

Gary Neville is hugely impressed with what he's seen of Carlos Baleba over the last week.
The midfielder has now overseen his first three appearances for Manchester United since making a £70 million move from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer.
(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Baleba endured a delayed start to the campaign due to an ankle ligament injury that he sustained in pre-season with the Seagulls, meaning his debut only came on October 10 during the draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
His first start then came three days later against Atletico Madrid, which also marked his maiden appearance in the Champions League, and he was also deployed from the off at Elland Road yesterday.

#baleba #gary #neville #carlos

Barcelona defender Eric Garcia has expressed his frustration after suffering a muscle injury that will sideline him for several weeks, ruling him out of two of the club's most important fixtures against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
The 25-year-old sustained the injury during Barcelona's 5-2 victory over Real Betis, turning a memorable afternoon into a personal setback.
After scoring his first goal of the season, Garcia was forced off in the 90th minute and now faces an extended spell on the sidelines.
The defender has a muscle injury in the rectus femoris of his right thigh and is expected to be unavailable for three to four weeks.
His absence is also set to extend beyond the PSG and El Clasico encounters, with Barcelona facing further fixtures against Alaves, Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid before the second international break of the season.

#defender #weeks #season

Atlético warns its fans about the importance of NOT using flares at this Wednesday's match against Santos at Arena MRV, the second leg of the Copa Conmebol Sudamericana quarterfinals. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m.
The use of flares is expressly prohibited in Conmebol competitions, so please do not harm Galo.
Let's support the team the way only we know how, turn the Arena into a true cauldron, but without using flares.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

#flares #conmebol #santos #galo

Matchday 27 continued this Saturday (12) with six more games.
After the "crazy" 3-3 draw between Coritiba and Athletico-PR in the opening match of the round last Friday (11), the "rain of goals" continued in the Brasileirão.
The day began with Atlético-MG's solid 3-1 win over Fluminense in Belo Horizonte.
Both the Minas Gerais side and the Rio de Janeiro team fielded reserve/mixed lineups because of their continental deciders next week.
Galo need to overturn a 2-0 deficit at home against Santos in the Conmebol Sudamericana quarter-finals, while the Laranjeiras Tricolor travel to Argentina to face Platense holding a 2-0 advantage in the Libertadores quarter-finals.

#quarter #Friday

James Rodríguez's arrival at Atlético Nacional continues to draw major reactions in Colombian football. This time, the club's legendary former goalkeeper and idol, René Higuita, dedicated an emotional welcome message to him, full of affection and verdolaga mystique.
Through his words, the iconic goalkeeper highlighted the institutional weight of the jersey the midfielder from Cúcuta will wear. "This jersey has history, it has heart, and it has fans who are always with us. We love you, welcome to our beloved Atlético Nacional," the former player said.
Higuita ended his greeting by wishing the Colombia national team midfielder the greatest success in this new stage of his professional career: "May the victories come, my brother. Welcome to green," he concluded, reaffirming the enormous excitement this signing has generated among Antioquia's fans.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

#tico #fans

Antoine Griezmann has hit the ground running with Orlando City, and it comes as no surprise.
The Frenchman joined the MLS outfit in the summer after an illustrious career in Europe, and he has started in fine form.
Since joining the club, Griezmann has bagged eight goals in 10 games and has pushed Orlando into the conversation for a playoff spot.
This evening against Toronto, the former Atlético Madrid man showed exactly why Orlando pulled strings to bring him in.
After a pinpoint Zakaria Taifi cross, Griezmann came flying into frame to throw a boot out and connect with the ball.

#orlando #city #madrid #zakaria

Atlético Tucumán head coach Julio César Falcioni made harsh accusations against the refereeing after the defeat to River Plate. The experienced manager expressed his outrage over decisions he believes harmed the Tucumán side.
"If Atlético is a problem, they should let us know," Falcioni fired back to the media. The coach claimed there was a foul on Canelo that should have led to a red card for a River player, openly criticizing the lack of judgment from both the main referee and the officials in the VAR booth.
With his trademark blunt tone, the coach ended his remarks without holding back: "It surprises me that some things are judged one way and others differently. Looks like River's band is working again. I can tell right away when I'm getting screwed."
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

#coach #falcioni #julio #canelo

Two Premier League matches at Anfield. Two draws.
For just the third time in 63 years, Liverpool have failed to win both of their opening home games of a league season - not exactly the flying start new boss Andoni Iraola would have been dreaming of.
After such an encouraging midweek performance against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, full of urgency, Saturday's goalless draw against Fulham was a flat follow-up, especially with the Cottagers lacking in confidence and having conceded seven goals in their first three league games.
The Reds looked physically and mentally tired and, to put it bluntly, like an entirely different team to the one that won against a Diego Simeone side that made it to the Champions League semi-finals last season.
On the first real look at how Iraola's style will cope with two games a week, this was certainly not what the Liverpool head coach, nor the Anfield crowd, would have wanted to see.

#league #games #champions #premier

If part of the challenge for Andoni Iraola when he took the Liverpool job was mastering the art of winning Premier League games after midweek Champions League dates, he failed his first test. An Anfield afternoon against a side with the wrong sort of 100 percent record ought to have been the ideal introduction to such ******* ignments.
Instead, Fulham got their first point of the season. A Spanish manager with a playing career at right-back had much to savour; but it was Alvaro Arbeloa, not Iraola. A terrific defender under Rafa Benitez, Arbeloa contributed to many a clean sheet in his time at Liverpool. Now Fulham have a first in the Premier League in his reign. Having conceded three goals to left wing-backs against Crystal Palace last week, they conceded none to Liverpool's three £100m men.
Alvaro Arbeloa could celebrate a first point in the Premier League with Fulham (Getty)
"Happy with the point and more happy with the performance," said Arbeloa. "We were more balanced today. We defended so well." He had made the bold decision to give the Austrian centre-back David Affengruber a debut at Anfield. "He proved how good he is," Arbeloa said.
But Iraola's side delivered a disjointed display, failing to touch the heights they reached in their comeback against Atletico Madrid and failing to score for the first time under him. "What was lacking was quite clear. It is the first game we had problems to create chances and score goals," he admitted.

#first #league #point #alvaro

Guadalajara has a new appointment with the Rojiblanca Republic, where they will look to make the AKRON Stadium count once again when they host Pumas this Sunday, in a match corresponding to Matchday 8 of the Apertura 2026.
The Sacred Flock comes into this match aiming to stay among the top spots in the standings and earn 3 points that will allow them to remain in the fight for the upper part of the overall table. In addition, they will look to extend their unbeaten streak against the auriazules to 10 matches.
We know the Rojiblanca Nation is ready to support Mexico's most beloved team, so here is the information you need to know before the match against the university side.
How are they coming in?
Guadalajara heads into this match after beating Atlético de San Luis 3-0 at Estadio Libertad Financiera, a result that earned them 3 important points and temporarily placed them second in the overall standings with 14 points.

#match #guadalajara

Diego Simeone says Atlético Madrid must improve at the back to start winning again.
Atlético have had a difficult week with Tuesday's 2-1 Champions League defeat at Liverpool following the 3-0 loss at Athletic Bilbao last weekend.
They return to La Liga action at Real Sociedad on Saturday seeking to rediscover the form that brought them seven points from their first three matches.
"We have room for improvement, but the team has done some very good things," Atlético boss Simeone said ahead of his side's trip to San Sebastián.
"We need to improve defensively to keep clean sheets and have more opportunities to improve because we've scored in every match except one.

#madrid #league #bilbao

Liverpool head into another Premier League test with momentum building, and Virgil van Dijk has made the message clear. Good performances matter, results matter more, but consistency is what separates serious sides from the rest.
After a comeback win over Atletico Madrid in midweek and a 2-0 league victory against Ipswich Town before that, Liverpool now have the chance to make it three wins on the bounce at Anfield against Fulham. The captain is not interested in noise or sentiment. He is focused on standards.
In his programme notes, Van Dijk said: "After an important and, in my opinion, well-deserved win over Atletico Madrid, it is great to be back at Anfield again this afternoon as we return to Premier League action against Fulham.
"I thought the atmosphere on Wednesday night was exceptional, particularly in the second half as we chased the victory.
"I have said many times that we are at our best when everyone is pushing together, and I hope you can see how hard we are all working to give you a team to be proud of."

#premier #dijk #fulham

Alexander Isak is excited to build an understanding with Bradley Barcola and has hailed the winger as a 'big signing' for Liverpool.
Barcola became Liverpool's latest marquee signing after arriving from Paris Saint-Germain for an initial £106m at the end of the summer transfer window.
The France international made his full debut during Liverpool's 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in midweek, featuring for an hour at Anfield.
Barcola has won theChampions League in each of the last two seasons and Isak said there has been excitement in the squad at his arrival. Speaking to liverpoolfc.com, he said he was confident Barcola could have a big impact.
"Of course, it's a big signing for us and he's a great player that we all know very well from what he's done previously," said Isak.

#isak #Paris

Real Madrid are back in domestic action on Saturday, as they prepare to host Rayo Vallecano in La Liga at the Bernabeu. Jose Mourinho's side are aiming to bounce back after their narrow defeat at the hands of Real Betis last weekend, and three points would take them level with arch rivals Barcelona, who are not in action until Sunday.
Real Madrid have been excellent at the Bernabeu so far this season, with three victories out of three and 10 goals scored. They will hope to build on the weekend win over Inter Milan in the Champions League, and they face an opponent in Rayo that have struggled to stop the goals from going in.
Rayo have conceded 10 goals in their opening four La Liga matches, with half of those coming in a 5-2 defeat to Barcelona. Los Franjirrojos are feeling the absence of starting goalkeeper Augusto Batalla, who is currently sidelined with a broken leg, which he sustained against Alaves last month. Dani Cardenas has failed to live up to the Argentine's standards, and if that continues to be the case at the Bernabeu, the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham will be licking their licks.
At the other end, Real Madrid must keep Sergio Camello quiet. The former Atletico Madrid striker has scored five goals in his last three matches, with two of those coming in the aforementioned defeat to Barcelona. However, Rayo will be without talented winger Jorge de Frutos, who was sent off against Racing de Santander last weekend.
It is no surprise that Real Madrid start as heavy favourites, and if they play to their best, they should dispatch Rayo will relatively ease. However, Mourinho will be making it very clear that they cannot take the Vallecas side for granted, as they are capable of causing problems in attack.

#bernabeu #goals

It's Choque-Rei weekend in the Brasileirão! This Saturday (12), at 6:30 p.m., at Nubank Parque, Tricolor will face Palmeiras in a derby valid for the 27th round of the Brazilian Championship.
Amid the clashes with Boca Juniors (ARG) in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana quarterfinals, São Paulo will take the field tonight with the mission of confirming its recovery in the national competition: it won its last two matches against Red Bull Bragantino (2-1) and Atlético-MG (2-0).
The São Paulo side sits in 10th place in the Brasileirão, with 33 points from 25 matches.
After the derby, Tricolor will resume the showdown with Boca Juniors next Tuesday (15), at 9:30 p.m., at MorumBIS.
After the 1-0 setback in the first leg in Buenos Aires, São Paulo need to beat the Argentinians by two goals to secure qualification for the semifinal. If they win by one goal, the qualifier will be decided on penalties.

#tricolor #juniors #derby #choque

Andoni Iraola has sent a message to Liverpool across his first few games in charge. It's puts the Reds in a difficult position.
We've now seen what Andoni Iraola is about over his first four matches in charge of Liverpool. The Spaniard has tried to develop the team quickly, hoping to get them pressing higher and playing with more energy than last season.
That was very apparent in the wins over Ipswich Town and Atlético Madrid. The latter was a particularly impressive win in the UEFA Champions League and it was the Reds' high press that made it happen.
What Iraola needs, then, is to get a hold of the right players for the right roles. That includes figuring who in this current bunch are capable of delivering what he needs.
And one decision he appears to have made on that puts Liverpool in a very tricky position.

#andoni #first

Atlético traveled on the afternoon of this Friday (11) to Montes Claros, where they will face North in the first round of the Octagonal Stage of the Minas Gerais U-15 and U-17 Championship. The matches will take place this Saturday (12), at 9 a.m. (U-15) and 11 a.m. (U-17), at CT Credinor.
The Octagonal Stage is scheduled to be played through October 31. Unlike the first phase, in the Octagonal, the points of each category are not added together. In total, eight teams compete in a single round-robin format for four spots in the semifinals of the competition. In the event of a tie on points, the tiebreaker criteria, in order, are: number of wins, goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head record, fewer red cards, fewer yellow cards, and drawing of lots. All cards received in the previous phase have been reset.
1st round – 09/12 – North x ATLÉTICO – 9 a.m. (U-15) and 11 a.m. (U-17) – Montes Claros2nd round – 09/19 – ATLÉTICO x América – 9 a.m. (U-15) and 11 a.m. (U-17) – Sesc Venda Nova3rd round – 09/26 – Cruzeiro x ATLÉTICO – 9 a.m. (U-15) and 11 a.m. (U-17) – Toca da Raposa I4th round – 10/03 – ATLÉTICO x Athletic – 9 a.m. (U-15) and 11 a.m. (U-17) – Cidade do Galo5th round – 10/17 – ATLÉTICO x Boston – 9 a.m. (U-15) and 11 a.m. (U-17) – Cidade do Galo6th round – 10/24 – Itabirito x ATLÉTICO – 9 a.m. (U-15) and 11 a.m. (U-17) – Arena Morro das Pedras7th round – 10/31 – ATLÉTICO x Coimbra – 9 a.m. (U-15) and 11 a.m. (U-17) – Sesc Venda Nova
Photo: Fabio Pinel / Atlético
Under head coach Rômulo Rodriguez, the U-15 Crias finished the first phase of the State Championship with the best record, earning 38 points — five more than the runner-up. The team went unbeaten in 14 matches: 12 wins and two draws. They also had the best attack and best defense of the first phase, with 41 goals scored and only four conceded. Forwards Moisés Caetano and Maurinho lead Galo's scoring in the competition, with 10 and nine goals, respectively.

#tico #head

2,745 is a pretty substantial figure, and fortunately, it's one Roma will no longer need to dwell on. That was the number of days between their last Champions League game, against Porto in 2019, and Thursday's clash with Fenerbahçe upon their return to the competition.
Roma claimed a 1-1 draw away from home, going ahead via Bryan Cristante before Archie Brown equalised for the hosts.
So, what were the numbers that stood out from the game?
As in the number of Champions League debutants Roma had on the pitch, including three in their starting lineup. Of course, everyone except Cristante, a veteran of the 2018-19 season, was playing in the Champions League for Roma for the first time. But Gianluca Mancini, Manu Koné and Wesley were newcomers to the competition altogether. So were substitutes Niccolò Pisilli and Rodrigo Mora, who were aged 14 and 11 respectively when Roma last played a Champions League fixture.
As it happens, the last time Roma had five Champions League debutants in the same game was against Atlético Madrid in September 2017, when Alisson Becker, Bruno Peres, Juan Jesus, Grégoire Defrel and Lorenzo Pellegrini made their bows in Europe's premier competition. The only time Roma have had more Champions League debutants on the pitch in a single game was their first game in the competition in 2001.

#last #time #cristante #number

Pumas got their first home win of the Apertura 2026 after beating Leon by a 3-1 score. Pumas played a solid match and were able to recover after giving up the tying goal to get a solid three points and climb into the Liguilla zone with the victory. Leon battled hard but it wasn't enough. They will return home to host Atletico San Luis on Monday while Pumas will have a tough away match on Sunday when they visit Guadalajara to face off against Chivas.
The 1st half started with Pumas coming out with their usual starting 11 and without Cesar Huerta, who was expected to make his return to Pumas but was rule out because of an injury. Off a counter, Jordi Cortizo got off a left footed shot that would go just wide. Ismael Diaz got off a right footed shot from outside the area that went just wide. A left footed shot in the area from Cristian Calderon would go wide. Off a counter, Luciano Herrera would get off a left footed shot from outside the area that would be saved by Leon's goalkeeper, Oscar Garcia. Cristian Calderon had hurt himself when he got off his left footed shot and had to be subbed out because of that injury. Angel Azuaje was subbed in his place. In the middle of the half, an incredible rain storm started to fall which would probably have a big impact in the match. A cross into the area found Diaz, who whiffed on his close range shot and wasted a great opportunity. A great thru pass found Uriel Antuna but the ball was cleared off his feet by Leon's defense. After a cross into the area was bouncing in the area, Antuna would get off a right footed shot that went wide. From outside the area, Ivan Moreno got off a great right footed shot that forced a wonderful save from Pumas' goalkeeper, Keylor Navas. A great cross into the area by Rodrigo Lopez was beautifully headed by Juninho past Garcia to give Pumas the 1-0 lead. It was a deserved goal as Pumas had been the better team after a slow start. A cross into the area was headed from close range by Diaz but Navas made a good save. The halftime whistle blew and after a good first 45 minutes, Pumas took the deserved lead to their dressing room.
The 2nd half started with Leon subbing out Juan Pablo Dominguez for Diber Cambindo. A cross into the area was headed wide by Herrera. A cross into the area would get to a wide open Jose Alvarado, who got off a great half bicycle kick past Navas to score and tie the match at 1-1. It was a bad mistake by Pumas' defense in leaving Alvarado wide open but he made a great goal with the opportunity. Diaz got off a right footed shot in the area that went wide. Off a counter, the ball would eventually reach Herrera, whose right footed shot went wide. Leon subbed out Ivan Rodriguez for Rodrigo Echeverria. A lob into the area found a wide open Juninho but his right footed volley went wide in a terrible miss. Pumas subbed out Uriel Antuna for Alan Medina. Off a good run, the pass into the area found Cambindo, whose left footed shot went past Navas but hit the post. A

MEDELLÍN, Colombia (AP) — After a brief stint with MLS side Minnesota United in the United States, Colombia soccer international James Rodríguez decided to return home on Thursday.
Rodríguez, a former Real Madrid midfielder who was a free agent, will play for Atlético Nacional, the most decorated club that is based in Medellín, in his home nation.
Atlético Nacional did not disclose the financial details of the deal or the duration of it.
Rodríguez, 35, has bounced around since 2022, with stints with Olympiacos in Greece, Sao Paulo in Brazil, Rayo Vallecano in Spain, Club León in Mexico and Minnesota United in the MLS, where he played just six matches in the first semester of the year.
The midfielder helped lead Colombia to the Copa America final in 2024, the country's first such appearance in 23 years. He has 31 goals in 131 career international matches with Colombia.

#colombia #rodr #nacional

The close of the free-agent market caused a real media stir in the Liga BetPlay. The boards of the country's top clubs are rushing key negotiations ahead of the registration deadline set for September 11.
James Rodríguez is reportedly finalizing details in Medellín to undergo medical tests and sign with Atlético Nacional. Meanwhile, Juan Guillermo Cuadrado has reached a verbal agreement with Millonarios FC to take medicals in Bogotá and complete his return to the local league at age 38.
The day took an unexpected turn with the possible return of Jackson Martínez. At 39, and after retiring in 2020, the striker is considering a formal offer from Independiente Medellín with the approval of coach Amaranto Perea.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

#return #rodr #meanwhile #juan

Chivas is enjoying a great moment in the Apertura 2026 and, after securing a convincing 3-0 victory over Atlético de San Luis in Jornada 7, the team has already set its sights on its next league challenge: a matchup against Pumas in Jornada 8.
Gabriel Milito's squad will return to training at Verde Valle to prepare throughout the week for the clash against the university side, which is scheduled to take place at Estadio AKRON, with the goal of maintaining its strong run of form and continuing to add points near the top of the Liga MX standings.
Here's the Guadalajara's work schedule, Chivahermano:
Tuesday, September 8Training at Verde Valle4:30 PM
Wednesday, September 9Training at Verde Valle9:30 AM

#jornada #september #pumas #valle

Alexis Mac Allister has revealed that Liverpool told him the club were not in a position to renew his contract and that he had options to leave in the summer.
Mac Allister's current contract at Liverpool is set to expire in 2028 and discussions over a renewal have failed to reach an agreement.
The failed talks leave the Argentine in an uncertain situation, after teammates Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch signed new long-term deals.
Mac Allister has revealed that Liverpool told his agents that the club were 'not in a position to renew' and has expressed his disappointment at the outcome of the talks.
Speaking to the media ahead of Liverpool'sChampions League clash with Atletico Madrid, Mac Allister said it was 'sad' that renewal talks did not lead to fresh terms.

#allister

Liverpool's Champions League campaign begins at Anfield on Wednesday, with Atletico Madrid providing an immediate test for Andoni Iraola and a squad still adjusting to life under their new head coach.
Iraola arrives at his first European fixture with some momentum. Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town on Friday ended a run of two successive 2-2 draws, with Alexander Isak scoring twice and Cody Gakpo supplying both ****** ists. It was the sort of result that gives a new manager some breathing room, although Atletico Madrid will represent a very different proposition.
Alexis Mac Allister was the first Liverpool player to face the media at the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday, and inevitably, his future was one of the main talking points.
The Argentina international confirmed there had been a genuine possibility of leaving Liverpool during the summer, following uncertainty over a new contract.
"There was a chance, of course," Mac Allister said. "I received the news that the club wasn't in a position to offer me a new contract, which made me sad."

#atletico #allister #Liverpool

Atlético de Madrid face Liverpool this Wednesday at 9 p.m., and they will do so without two attacking players.
The 24 players selected by Diego Pablo Simeone:
Sorloth, who is still injured, and Arnau Ortiz, through suspension, will miss the match.
The young Atlético forward misses out because of an old suspension dating back to his time playing in Poland.
Otherwise, Jonathan David, Cuti Romero and Julián Álvarez are all included in the squad as normal.

#players #suspension #simeone

Due to some sporadic runs of form and a very big helping hand from the footballing Gods, Liverpool found themselves qualifying for this season's Champions League and so the dream of more European nights at Anfield again became reality. For all of us Reds supporters and club it's the bare minimum requirement, and this writer has been luckily enough to have watched all six finals that Liverpool won, the first in 1977 when I was eight years old.
More importantly in the present moment, Wednesday evening is going to be the very first European game for head coach Andoni Iraola as head coach of any club, and let's hope that it will be even more than he could ever imagine because it's at Anfield and against one of the most difficult opponents in the Champions League in recent years in Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid.
Everyone involved in European football probably knows about those Famous European Nights at Anfield under the lights, but it's not all up to the supporters—the players will need to start in the right mood as they did against Ipswich, with intensity from the first whistle but unlike in that game the players won't be allowed to ease up until the final whistle is blown.
There is history between Liverpool and Atleti, with the Reds winning three of the seven times the clubs have faced off in the Champions League whilst Atletico have won two and then two draws between them. More than the match ups being fairly even there are the tough tactics of Simeone, who has a knack of getting under the skin of opposing managers as well his players being very physical in their play. It's going to be an interesting test for Iraola and the players but especially Liverpool's head coach as this will be his first experience of the Champions league and a congested fixture list.
"Big game, the first Champions League for me as a coach," Iraola noted during the post-Ipswich match interviews when he was asked about the approaching match against Atletico. "At Anfield, under the lights. I love to play at night."

#first