Liverpool have confirmed Alexander Isak in their starting lineup for Wednesday night’s Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid — a historic night that marks the Sweden international’s long-awaited Reds debut following his record-breaking £125m switch from Newcastle United this summer.
The 25-year-old striker, who became the most expensive Swedish footballer in history, had been left out of the squad for Sunday’s clash with Burnley, but head coach Arne Slot has wasted no time unleashing him on the European stage.
From transfer drama to dream debut
The story of Isak’s move to Anfield has been anything but quiet. According to whispers in Spain, Isak threatened to sit out Newcastle’s pre-season tour until his transfer to Liverpool was finalised — a move that shocked Magpies supporters but delighted the Reds. Some insiders even claim that Jürgen Klopp personally called Isak from his sabbatical to convince him that Liverpool was his destiny.
Now, less than two months later, Isak finds himself under the Anfield lights, ready to prove why many have started calling him the “Swedish Zlatan.”
A familiar foe: Atletico Madrid
Isak is no stranger to Diego Simeone’s rugged Atletico side. During his time at Real Sociedad, he faced them six times — recording just one win and a single goal. Spanish media has already billed tonight’s clash as “Isak’s Revenge,” suggesting he has unfinished business with Simeone’s men.
Liverpool, too, know the pain Atletico can inflict. The Reds famously crashed out of the Champions League at the hands of the Rojiblancos in 2020, but struck back with two group-stage wins in 2021. Their record against Atletico now stands evenly at three wins, two draws, and three losses.
Frimpong returns, Robertson recalled
Slot hasn’t just shaken things up with Isak’s debut. Jeremie Frimpong also comes into the starting XI, replacing Alexis Mac Allister, after recovering from his latest injury setback. Andy Robertson returns at left-back in place of Milos Kerkez, who endured a nightmare 45 minutes against Burnley.
But all eyes will be on Isak. Standing at 6ft 4in, the forward is expected to lead the line with pace, power, and clinical finishing.
The 20% hype: Madrid on red alert
Spanish outlets have already reported that Atletico Madrid held extra defensive training sessions this week focused entirely on Isak, fearing that he could “do to them what Erling Haaland did to Sevilla.” While such claims may be exaggerated, it underlines the aura surrounding the Swede’s debut.
There are even unverified suggestions that Atletico fans booed his name at the Madrid airport arrivals lounge, despite him not even being there — a sign of the psychological warfare already underway.
The verdict
For Liverpool supporters, tonight isn’t just about a Champions League group-stage match. It’s about witnessing the dawn of a new era at Anfield.
If Isak delivers under the lights of Madrid, the £125m price tag will start to look like a bargain. If he struggles, the headlines will be merciless.
One thing’s certain: Alexander Isak’s Liverpool story begins tonight — and the whole of Europe is watching.
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