With Liverpool’s Champions League draw being unveiled, the Premier League champions are going to face a mix of old rivals, rising threats and new challenges.
From Anfield nights against familiar foes to trips across Europe, this group of opponents is marching with title ambition with a revamped squad and Arne Slot’s evolving identity.
For this preview, let’s dive into every storyline of each opponent.
Real Madrid (Nov. 4, 2025)
Venue: Anfield
No match on Liverpool’s fixture list will be more emotionally charged than this one. Real Madrid will arrive at Anfield under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, a beloved former Liverpool midfielder whose return to Merseyside will evoke memories of Istanbul in 2005 and his vital role in that era of success.
Yet nostalgia quickly gives way to rivalry, Alonso was likely to reboot the team that stumbled last season, implementing his system with more discipline and balance.
Then there’s the subplot of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return to Anfield in a white shirt.
Once the local talisman of the Kop, Alexander-Arnold now walks back as an adversary, and the reception will be a fascinating mix—respect, sadness, and perhaps a tinge of hostility for leaving at his peak.
How he handles the atmosphere, and how Liverpool’s wingers test his defensive side, could define the night.
On the pitch, this fixture is as heavyweight as it gets. Liverpool vs. Madrid has produced iconic European nights, and this clash will test Liverpool’s evolving identity under Arne Slot.
With Madrid becoming more consistent and aspiring to regain their pride, a dramatic or passionate hard-fought battle is expected, and likely no clear winner.
Prediction: 1-1 draw
Inter Milan (Dec 9, 2025)
Venue: Anfield
Inter’s visit to Anfield will be one of the most difficult challenges in Liverpool’s league phase campaign.
The Nerazzurri, who finished as Champions League runners-up last season, showed remarkable resilience and tactical maturity under Simone Inzaghi.
Liverpool will need to mark down some noticeable names like Lautaro Martínez, whose consistency and movement in the box make him a constant threat against high lines.
At the back, Manuel Akanji’s leadership has steadied their defense, giving them a spine that is hard to break down.
Yet, Inter are not unchanged: a couple of key departures from last year’s squad have slightly weakened their depth, which Liverpool can exploit, especially in front of the Kop.
Prediction: 2-1 Liverpool
Atletico Madrid (Sept 17, 2025)
venue: Anfield
The first test arrives quickly. Liverpool face Atletico Madrid, a team most vividly remembered for their stunning 3-2 comeback in the 2019–20 Round of 16, where Marcos Llorente's extra-time brace stunned Anfield.
Currently, Atletico are struggling in La Liga this term under Diego Simone, who hasn’t secured a league win so far, making this an ideal moment for Liverpool to reclaim that narrative and reassert their dominance at home.
Though the Reds have avenged that defeat twice since then, they don’t mind doing this for the third time to defend Anfield.
Prediction: 3-0 Liverpool
Eintracht Frankfurt (Oct 22, 2025)
venue: Frankfurt Stadion (away)
Liverpool will travel to Germany to face Frankfurt, where Hugo Ekitike, last season’s breakout star with 15 Bundesliga goals, returns as an opponent.
With familiarity, the French star’s clinical finishing and physical presence make him a clear threat to the opponent.
Frankfurt’s midfield boasts creative depth with the likes of Mario Götze and Ritsu Doan, both capable of unlocking defenses with vision and movement. Defensive challenges include Arthur Theate and Rasmus Kristensen, who anchor the backline.
Liverpool must counter with high tempo and precise pressing to disrupt their cohesion. If the Reds can control the midfield and nullify Ekitike, they should be able to dominate.
Prediction: 4-1 Liverpool
PSV (Nov 26, 2025)
venue: Anfield
PSV always brings a dynamic and fluid attack. Their threats lie in Guus Til and Ruben van Bommel, who are electric creators with flair and timing. Up front,
While defensively vulnerable (as seen in last season’s 3–9 aggregate defeat to Arsenal), PSV's high-tempo, expansive play can catch defenders out—making first-half concentration key.
Liverpool can exploit their defensive weaknesses by maintaining width and accelerating transitions.
Prediction: 3-1 Liverpool
Marseille (Jan 21, 2026)
Venue: Stade de Marseille (away)
Marseille returns to the UCL with a reinvigorated attack led by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who recently rejoined and is already rejuvenated.
He scored a brace in a 5–2 win over Paris FC. Add in new winger Tim Weah, joining on loan from Juventus, and Marseille boasts a potent combination of experience and pace. This will be a stern test, but Liverpool’s depth and structure should prevail.
Prediction: 2-0 Liverpool
Qarabag (Jan 28, 2026)
Venue: Anfield
Rounding off the league phase back at Anfield against Qarabag—a first-time meeting.
Liverpool should be in a strong position by this stage, potentially rotating players while still demonstrating dominance.
If form holds, a confident 3-0 win with possibly the second unit should cap the league phase with authority.
Prediction: 3-0 Liverpool
Galatasaray (Sept 30, 2025)
Venue: Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi (away)
Galatasaray re-enters the UCL stage with a refreshed lineup.
Watch Ilkay Gündoğan, who recently signed after a successful career at Man City, as he prepares to lead the midfield with skill and command.
Added to their attack is Leroy Sané, bringing Bundesliga and European experience and the ability to change the game from the wings.
Victor Osimhen also features in attack, having scored 26 goals in the 2024-25 Super Lig. Liverpool needs to remain compact and limit Gündoğan's space; maintaining tactical discipline will be key to disrupting their offensive flow.
Prediction: 3-2 Liverpool