Liverpool have made a blistering start to the 2025-26 Premier League season, and manager Arne Slot admits his team has already exceeded his expectations — even before their Champions League group stage campaign begins with a stern test: hosting Atlético Madrid at Anfield.
A Promising Premier League Kick-Off
Liverpool have opened the league campaign with four wins from four — a perfect record so far. Each win has had its own theatrical twist: Liverpool needed late drama, scoring all four winning goals after the 80th minute. It is the first time in Premier League history that a side has won their first four games by goals in the final ten minutes or later.
Slot, still fairly new to the club, is admittedly surprised at how well things have gone. With a summer which saw substantial squad changes — over £400 million in new signings — and the lingering emotional weight of Diogo Jota’s death, many expected some early turbulence. Yet Liverpool have handled those challenges better than anticipated.
Still, Slot is clear there is a lot of work ahead, especially now that European competition begins. “We can do better,” he has said. Consistency, fitness management, and adapting to the higher demands of continental football are all on his mind.
The Isak Factor: A New Weapon, But Not Yet Full-Gas
One of Liverpool’s summer marquee signings is Alexander Isak, brought in from Newcastle United for a British-record fee of around £125 million. So far, he has not started a match, having missed much of pre-season and still working toward full match fitness.
Slot confirmed that Isak is now part of the Champions League squad for the Atlético match, though he will almost certainly not play the full 90 minutes. There is talk he may feature for some 45 minutes, depending on how the match develops and how well he adapts after his extended time out.
Virgil van Dijk has praised Isak’s finishing and general quality, emphasising that settling into Liverpool’s play style and understanding how teammates move and press will be vital.
Atlético Madrid: Heavyweights Waiting in the Wing
Liverpool’s Champions League campaign begins with Atlético Madrid, a side known for its resilience, defensive discipline, and experience in big-pressure games. Diego Simeone’s men will travel without some injured players (notably Julian Álvarez), but they remain dangerous opponents, especially in tight, well-handled games.
History adds spice: Atlético have given Liverpool problems in the past and know how to grind results. This will be a test for Liverpool’s patience, structure, and ability to close out games — especially since Liverpool have become used to doing that in recent weeks.
What’s at Stake & What to Look Out For
- Maintaining Momentum: Liverpool must carry the confidence from their hot Premier League run into Europe. A good result against Atlético would affirm that their strong start is more than just luck.
- Isak’s Integration: How much will Isak be involved? Will Slot throw him on early and test his match sharpness, or will the Swede be eased in to avoid risk?
- Late-Game Resilience or Vulnerability: Given Liverpool have so often been scoring late, there’s a dual edge — the team has character, but it also suggests possible vulnerabilities earlier in matches. Atlético may look to exploit that.
- Managerial Composure & Tactical Adaptation: Slot’s ability to transition between domestic form and European demands will be scrutinized. How he handles squad rotation, game states, and Atlético’s counterattacking threats will matter.
Conclusion
Liverpool enter their Champions League campaign in a mood of cautious optimism. Their perfect Premier League start has already exceeded what many—including Slot himself—would have predicted, especially given the upheavals in personnel and the emotional shadow of losses this summer. But matches like the one against Atlético will reveal whether Liverpool are ready not just to compete, but to fight for silverware across all fronts.
For Slot, Isak, van Dijk and the broader squad, this is a chance to show they are more than just late-game heroes. It’s a chance to show they are leaders in Europe again.
