Diego Simeone, the head coach of Atlético Madrid, has made a bold decision by including Julián Alvarez and Cuti Romero in the starting lineup for their Champions League opener against Liverpool at Anfield. This announcement was made on September 9, 2026, and has generated considerable interest among fans and analysts alike.

Just a day before the match, Simeone expressed that he believed Alvarez was in a 'growth phase' and did not expect him to start. However, in a surprising turn of events, Alvarez will take the field alongside Romero as part of a strategic lineup aimed at securing a strong performance against the English side.

The official starting lineup for Atlético Madrid features Jan Oblak in goal, with a defensive line comprising Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, Cuti Romero, and David Hancko. The midfield includes Giuliano Simeone, Pablo Barrios, Koke Resurrección, and Álex Baena, while the attacking front is led by Kang in Lee and Julián Alvarez.

This match marks the first time Alvarez, nicknamed 'La Araña', has started this season after joining the team on August 10. He had previously come off the bench in two matches, including a game against Villarreal and another against Athletic Bilbao.

Additionally, Simeone has opted to replace Álex Grimaldo, who struggled defensively in the last match, with David Hancko, and has made further adjustments to the midfield by substituting Morten Hjulmand for Koke Resurrección. Ademola Lookman will start on the bench, allowing Alvarez to take a more prominent role in the game.

As the match unfolds, all eyes will be on how these changes impact Atlético Madrid's performance against a formidable opponent like Liverpool, known for their strong home advantage at Anfield.