Liverpool and Atletico Madrid can’t be called the best of friends. The pair seem to play each other as regularly as the nine o’clock news, and each match brings its own fury and valour to head.
Despite many a feud on the pitch, the two clubs actually have a fair amount in common. Whether it’s an adoring fanbase or a sharp shooter from Uruguay, they might not want to admit it, but the pair share a wealth of players dating back through the 2000s and into present day.
Take a look at the players who have graced the turf at both Anfield and Wanda Metropolitano:
Luis Suarez – Liverpool (2011-2014), Atletico Madrid (2020-2022)
One of the most lethal strikers of his generation. At Liverpool, El Pistolero bagged 82 goals in just 133 games, winning the European Golden Shoe in 2013/14 before leaving for Barcelona.
In 2020, he joined Atlético and fired them to the La Liga title in his debut season, scoring 21 goals in the process.
Fernando Torres - Liverpool (2007-2011), Atletico Madrid (2001-2007, 2015-2018)
El Nino broke through at Atlético as a teenage captain before making a high-profile move to Liverpool in 2007 where he scored 81 goals in 142 appearances during his prime years.
After a controversial move to Chelsea, he later completed an emotional return to his boyhood club in 2015, winning the Europa League in 2018.
Luis Garcia – Liverpool (2004-2007), Atletico Madrid (2002-2003, 2007-2009)
A Rafa Benitez favourite, the Spanish winger is best known for scoring crucial goals during Liverpool’s run to Champions League victory in 2005.
He also shared two separate spells at Atlético, serving as a versatile member of their attack.
Maxi Rodriguez – Liverpool (2010-2012), Atletico Madrid (2005-2010)
Serving as Atlético’s captain, the Argentine winger scored 44 goals in 156 games for Los Colchoneros.
He moved to Liverpool following the completion of his contract in 2010, winning the League Cup in 2012 and becoming a fan favourite for his back-to-back Premier League hattricks against Birmingham and Fulham.
Florent Sinama-Pongolle – Liverpool (2001-2006), Atletico Madrid (2008-2010)
A lesser known name among the Anfield faithful but the French forward did score pivotal goals against Olympiacos and Luton Town during Liverpool’s trophy-winning cup runs.
Signed as a prospect by Gerard Houllier, he later spent two seasons at Atlético as a reliable rotation striker option behind Torres and Sergio Aguero.
Emiliano Insua – Liverpool (2007-2011), Atletico Madrid (2013-2015)
A gritty Argentinian left-back who broke into Liverpool’s first team as a youngster, making 62 appearances.
In 2013, he transferred to Madrid as a back-up option and contributed to their 2013/14 league and cup double under Diego Simeone.
Javier Manquillo – Liverpool (2014-2015 on loan), Atletico Madrid (2011-2017)
More known for his time at Newcastle than for these two clubs but the Spanish right-back was a product of Atlético’s youth academy, where he made 17 senior appearances for the club.
He then spent the 2014/15 season on loan at Liverpool under Brendon Rodgers, featuring 19 times in all competitions.
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