Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid - Champions League LIVE: Latest score, team news and updates as Virgil van Dijk saves the Reds in second-half stoppage-time after Arne Slot's side had initially squandered a two-goal lead

Right, it's time to talk about the £125m-man.

Liverpool fans have had to wait some time to see Alexander Isak turn out in the red of Liverpool; many thought this day may never come after the topsy-turvy saga that shaped the summer transfer window.

Well, it did. Isak was surprisingly given the nod to start this evening despite not having had a pre-season, with Arne Slot giving him 57 minutes to show what he is about.

It's fair to say, he didn't look like a lad who hadn't played club football in four months, far from it.

Sure, there was some ring rust to shake off early on, but he sparked into life after 30 minutes and looked right at home in that Liverpool front line.

He linked up really well with Florian Wirtz, who put in his best display in a Liverpool shirt, and even managed to dig out a couple of decent efforts.

I'd honestly be more shocked if Isak didn't start the Merseyside derby on Saturday than if he was on the bench. Although he may have some serious DOMS after all that time out.

It was a decent debut, but then again, it wasn't anything special.

Want to know when the last time Liverpool threw away a two-goal lead but won in stoppage time in a Champions League opening game?

It was against PSG in September 2018.

Liverpool went on to win their sixth European Cup that season...

Can lightning strike twice? I mean, it's not exactly a bad omen - number seven could be on the way to Anfield.

Andy Robertson, Liverpool vice-captain, on TNT Sports:

On scoring the opener:

Pure, unbridled joy for Virgil van Dijk and Liverpool. These pictures speak a thousand words.

I still can't believe that Liverpool have done it again.

Honestly, how? Just how do they keep finding late winners?

When does it go from 'Liverpool are lucky' to 'this is just what Liverpool do'. I mean, we aren't even far off the latter.

Five from five this season, with four stoppage time strikes already.

In fact, 29 per cent of the 90th-minute goals scored by Premier League clubs in all competitions so far this season have been scored by Liverpool (4/14).

The Reds are just inevitable this season.

Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool captain, speaking to TNT Sports:

Ooooh, here is a better shot of the clash.

Was this the fan that Diego Simeone was trying to get to and have a fight with?

Honestly, it looked like the Argentine forgot where he was and was ready to throw down.

Simeone is just box office, isn't he?

Right, we have to talk about this.

We should be focusing on Virgil van Dijk's winner, but Diego Simeone has decided to steal the headlines.

After the winner went in, the camera panned to Simeone going full Eric Cantona and trying to scrap somebody in teh crowd.

It was utter madness.

I know Simeone can be a bit of a hot head, but I never imagined that he would end up doing that.

I'm still not entirely sure why he lost the plot, but I'm guessing a fan said something to him.

Never seen anything like that before. Truly crazy.

Want to watch the late winner, then?

These days we might as well expect the winner to come. I mean, Liverpool just keep finding away.

It was one hell of a header to win it from Virgil van Dijk, and just listen to that roar.

How big could this moment prove to be in the league phase?

Time and time and time again, Liverpool win it late.

Just when you think their luck has run out when it comes to late winners, they go and grab another one.

That's five last-minute winners in five games. How long can they keep getting away with this?

It's almost like Liverpool want to throw their leads away just to reignite the motivation to win the game. They love the drama.

Liverpool fans may not enjoy it, but as long as they are winning games, Arne Slot and his side won't care.

It's very entertaining to report on, that's for sure!

And breathe!

Alexander Sorloth has the chance to level it right at the death, but Alisson denies him, and there goes the whistle.

What a match. What a night. A Champions League cracker.

I'm not sure what it is about Liverpool this season, but it's like they want to give their fans heart palpitations due to stress.

They throw away another two-goal lead, but once again, they win it in stoppage time.

And there was even a scrap at the end. Crazy.

What. A. Miss.

How on earth has Hugo Ekitike missed that chance? A sitter.

Mohamed Salah squares the ball to the Frenchman for a tap-in, but he hammers the ball into the ground and over.

At least Liverpool are winning, eh?

Oh my word.

What is happening? Diego Simeone is trying to scrap somebody in the crowd.

In the aftermath of the goal, he launches himself into the ground. Some fan must have said something.

This is crazy.

YOU BETTER BELIEVE THEY CAN!

I can't believe it, for the fifth time in a row Liverpool manage to save their skin. Incredible.

Captain Fantastic saves the day for the Reds, Virgil van Dijk hammers home a corner to earn three points on opening night.

Liverpool can't keep getting away with this, they say? But they can.

It's pretty much now or never for Liverpool.

They are winning corner after coner, applying all the pressure, can they make it count?

That's not exactly long.

Liverpool have just four minutes to try and find their fifth late winner of the season.

They couldn't, could they?

Oh my!

Liverpool fans think they have scored, Anfield erupts. But no, the ball hits the side-netting.

A corner literally just bounces off Virgil van Dijk and just rolls the wrong side of the post.

Liverpool are pushing for this winner.

This is an odd substitution.

Liverpool need a goal and they are throwing on Milos Kerkez to try and find one.

Off comes Andy Robertson.

Ibrahima Konate, how have you not scored there?

That's a huge chance for teh Frenchman. He has a free header from a corner and has to at least get it on target.

But he can't even do that, heading miles wide. Konate brings his hands to his head; he can't believe it.

Another late Liverpool winner, anybody?

I'm pretty sure the Reds have run out of that luck, surely. I can't see them bagging a late goal here.

If anybody is going to score, it's probably Marcos Llorente.

NOT AGAIN?!?

Marcos Llorente has done it again at Anfield. This is unbelievable.

The full-back grabs his second of the game to silence this place for the second time in five years, as his volley is deflected into the top corner.

Liverpool have thrown away another lead this season...

More substitutions, how fun...

Nico Gonzalez has just been hooked by Diego Simeone, and Marc Pubill replaces him.

Can Atletico find a late equaliser?

What a moment.

17-year-old Rio Ngumoha comes on to make his Champions League debut and become Liverpool's youngest player to play in this competition.

He replaces Florian Wirtz, who showed flashes of what he has to offer tonight.

Oooooft...

What is it about Marcos Llorente and Anfield, eh?

The full-back just loves it here and he has another dig from distance, which flashes just over the bar.

Close, but not close enough.

Florian Wirtz needs to learn to put his foot through the ball.

I have lost count of how many times he has overplayed moves this season, and he does it again.

Mohamed Salah plays a gorgeous outside-of-the-boot cross to find Higo Ekititke, who absolutely nods it to Wirtz.

The German just needs to shoot, but he tries to makes space and loses the ball.

Conor Bradley loves a booking.

Been on for less than 15 minutes, and he has already been shown a yellow card for being a little rough in the challenge.

He needs to be careful now.

Liverpool are starting to purr again, they really are.

Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai are involved in every good bit of play Liverpool produce, and they combine again.

Szoboszlai clips the ball to Wirtz, who you think is going to hit the ball on teh volley, but he instead lays it off to Hugo Ekitike.

The Frenchman can't sort his feet out and fires miles over.

HOW IS IT NOT THREE???

Oh my word. I can't believe that move has not ended in a goal; Mohamed Salah has to score.

It's a brilliant counter as Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Dominik Szoboszlai all combine.

The ball is shifted to Salah, who you just expect to find the net, but he hits the post.

Deserved a goal, that move.

Diego Simeone turns to his bench.

Former Crystal Palace striker Alexander Sorloth makes his return to England, coming on for Antoine Griezmann.

Nahuel Molina is also on, replacing Conor Gallagher.

'Hugo Ekitike' is the chant from teh Kop.

He has just shown his twinkle toes to somehow wriggle away from four Atletico Madrid bodies.

Good feet for a big man!

The Anfield crowd rises to its feet.

Alexander Isak's number is up and it's Hugo Ekitike who replaces him after 57 minutes.

Conor Bradley and Alexis Mac Allister are also on, with Jeremie Frimpong and Cody Gakpo making way.

It looks like Alexander Isak's night is about to come to an end.

Hugo Ekitke is stripped and ready on the touchline, so if Isak wants a goal, he needs to score pronto.

Can't see that happening, to be honest.

And that will be the last we see of Giacomo Raspadori.

The striker is being hauled off for Koke, which is an interesting decision.

Is that not a bit defensive?

We have seen this all before.

The two-goal lead seems to be a real bad one for Liverpool this season.

Bournemouth, Newcastle, and now Atletico Madrid look like they are about to haul level too.

Giacomo Raspadori stings the palms of Alisson and you can feel the nerves around Anfield.

You feel a goal is coming here.

Ohhh, I thought that was the moment for Alexander Isak!

Andy Robertson floats a gorgeous ball into the box and it's heading straight for the £125m striker.

But Isak seems to jump too early and misses the ball, before the referee stops play for a foul.

That was a chance, a real chance.

That goal before the break has sucked the life out of this stadium.

Honestly, Anfield is deafly silent.

To think that this is the situation we are in after how Liverpool started this game is rather mental.

Fair play to Atletico Madrid for staying in this.

Not a good few moments for Florian Wirtz there.

First, he leads a breakaway, but plays a poor pass that is meant for Alexander Isak, and it's intercepted.

He then gets the ball from the resulting throw-in but knocks it out of play.

£100m, you say?

Interesting, very interesting.

Alexander Isak has emerged from the tunnel in his full kit and will start the second half.

How much more time will he be given?

Well, we are about to find out as this entertaining game is back underway.

Momahed Salah has broken another record, has he? Nothing new.

The Egyptian winger looked more like his self again in that first half, after a poor start to the season.

His assist wasn't exactly spectacular, given that he was going for a goal, but his strike a couple of minutes later was lovely.

Back to his best.

Steve McManaman, former Liverpool midfielder, on TNT Sports speaking about Atletico's goal:

If I were Arne Slot, I'd give Alexander Isak 10 more minutes, maybe 15.

It took teh Swede a while to get going, but the last 15 minutes of that half, he really started to get involved in the attacking play.

A couple of shots, linking play with Florian Wirtz; it seemed like he had found his feet.

Slot will probably still haul him off now, though.

Now, we have to start here.

I have to admit, I am surprised that VAR didn't chalk Marcos Llorente's goal off there.

Antoine Griezmann was standing right in Alisson's eyeline as the shot came in, and he was miles offside. Surely that's interfering with play?

That would have been chalked off in the Premier League, I imagine.

There goes the whistle.

Liverpool were coasting until Marcos Llorente halved their lead just a few moments ago.

The Reds came flying out of the blocks, but as the half went by, the Spaniards grew into the game. Now they have their reward.

The second half is going to be tasty.

Oh, hello, hello, hello...

Marcos Llorente loves Anfield, and five years after he scored a brace here to knock Liverpool out of this competition, he finds the net again.

Giacomo Raspodori is dinked through, finds Llorente, and he just pokes the ball into the back of the net.

Game on!

Alexander Isak may have just four more minutes to find a goal.

That's what we have for stoppage time, and I imagine that Isak will come off at the break.

Ohhhhh... it should be three!

That is Florian Wirtz at his very best as he drives forward and plays a lovely give-and-go with Alexander Isak.

Wirtz is through; he then tries to take the ball past Jan Oblak, but as he touches it around him, Jeremie Frimpong gets in his way.

That would have been one hell of a goal.

Alexander Isak has well and truly arrived now.

The Swede is really getting involved now, and once again he finds himself in a shooting position.

He picks up the ball outside the area, shifts it to his right, and then drives one toward the bottom corner.

There is a huge 'oooo' as he lets fly, but its cut out as Jan Oblak denies him.

Ooooft...

Alexander Isak finally gets his first sight of goal in a Liverpool shirt, and it's not a bad one.

The Swede is surrounded by Atletico bodies, but still manages to dig out a bending effort which flies just wide.

Straight from the goal kick, Madrid give the ball away and Mohamed Salah is then in, but he fires straight at Jan Oblak.

This game has come to life again!

Ally McCoist, former Rangers striker, on TNT Sports:

That is actually terrible.

Clement Llenglet was penalised for handball initially, but replays show the ball didn't even touch his hand as he went to tackle Jeremie Frimpiong.

The referee sees what an awful decision he has made, and he reverse his decision.

That's is an absolute shocker.

Wait, what???

Liverpool have been handed a penalty, but I genuinely have no idea why, and neither does the rest of Anfield.

Surely this is going to be overturned here? I'm not sure the reason its even been given.

Liverpool fans, you can breathe easy.

Alexander Isak has had some of that magic sponge treatment and he is AOK to continue.

Robin Le Normand was booked for that challenge, by the way. I realised I forgot to tell you.

Oooooooh...

Welcome back to football, Alexander Isak.

I think I just heard a massive cheer from Newcastle as Isak is cleaned out by Robin Le Normand. It's a proper cruncher, and Isak is hurt.

Play goes on, though, and Mohamed Salah is in, but his effort is foiled by Jan Oblak.

Alexander Isak hasn't been involved too much yet.

To be fair to the lad, Liverpool haven't conjured up too many attacks in the last 10 or so minutes, which doesn't help.

He probably has about 15 minutes to do something because I suspect he will be hooked at half-time.

No pressure, son.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear...

They may have to look out for the ball at Bramley-Moore Dock because Nico Gonzalez has just sent one out of the ground.

It's that bad of an effort that it may end up in the River Mersey.

That's a big interception by Jeremie Frimpong!

The full-nback saves Liverpool's skin after the defence nods off and allows Antoine Griezmann to get sent through down the left.

The forward tries to pull the ball back into a dangerous area, but Frimping just about gets his foot in the way.

Atletico are starting to grow into the game.

The clock has struck 20 minutes, and you know what that means.

The Diogo Jota chant rings around Anfield, as it has done in every single game this season.

It is then interrupted by Mohamed Salah, who comes within inches of adding a spectacular third.

He bends one just past the post, and boy, was that close.

Atletico Madrid are starting to finally give Liverpool something to think about.

They have a lot of pace on the counter, and there have been a couple of occasions where both Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch have had to step in to halt something dangerous happening.

They need to be careful here.

That's poor from Cody Gakpo...

Liverpool play some absolutely filthy football, starting with Dominik Szoboszlai winning the ball.

There is some lovely one-touch footie that sees Gakpo race into space with the ball, but rather than pass he dilly dallies on the ball and loses it.

Alexander Isak was screaming for it to his left...

We have our first sight of Alexander Isak with the ball.

He has obviously been taught a lot by Cody Gakpo because he uses his classic move.

Isak drifts over to the left and decides to cut inside, but rather than shoot, he does a cheeky stepover and decides to pass.

The skills get a lovely little cheer.

OK, OK, things have calmed down a little.

Liverpool are allowing both Atletico, and us journos, some respite. They are just knocking the ball about with ease now.

I'm not sure the away side knows what has just hit them, they look stunned.

And breathe...

My word, Liverpool have not given me a moment's rest in the early moments here.

The Reds look hungry for more as well, they are all over Atletico Madrid right now.

This could get messy.

TWO IN TWO MINUTES!

This is the Liverpool we have been waiting to see this season, and boy, have they arrived in style at last.

Mohamed Salah shows he still got it, playing a lovely give-and-go with Ryan Gravenberch before drilling the ball into the bottom corner.

Liverpool are in dreamland.

What a start!!

What the hell has just happened? Liverpool take the lead in very strange circumstances, but Andy Robertson does not give two hoots.

The full-back opens the scoring just four minutes into his first start of the season, but he didn't know much about it. Mohamed Salah's free-kick just bounces off him and goes in.

The perfect start for Liverpool.

I have to say, aesthetically, this game is very good to watch.

Both teams have cracking kits. The Atletico third kit is a belter, much like Chelsea's.

And well, we all know how nice Liverpool's Adidas strip is.

This has the feeling of a proper European night. I feel we may have a classic in store.

Personally, I hope there are lots of goals. We all just want to be entertained, don't we?

The teams are ready, the fans are ready, and off we go!

This is a proper European night atmosphere.

The Liverpool fans turned up tonight, and they are bringing the noise. It's very, very loud in here.

You'll Never Walk Alone is always sung earlier on European nights, and they have just produced a beautiful rendition of it. Spine-tingling.

The Atletico fans stopped their chants and just admired the song. Many even had their phones out to record it.

'Liverpool, Liverpool, Liverpool,' then rings around all four stands, before the players come out of the tunnel.

This place is bouncing.

How are we all feeling?

There is a buzz of excitement that is just getting more and more prominent as the kick-off closes in.

The warm-ups are done, Anfield is nearly full, and there are fewer than 10 minutes until this game gets cracking.

I have my fingers crossed that it's a belter.

Leon Osman, former Everton midfielder, on Radio 5 Live:

By William Bridges, Daily Mail:

Liverpool:

Liverpool have strong credentials in Europe, winning the Champions League six times. They also have three Europa Leagues, and four Super Cups, being a strong team at home, especially in European games where Anfield has been proven to be a tough ground for opposing teams. Liverpool’s star men include Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Alisson.

Atletico Madrid:

Atletico also possess strong European credentials becoming Champions League finalists three times, winning the Europa League three times, and the Super Cup three times. Well known for their defensive solidity, being especially useful in tight matches. Atletico has some experienced players such as Antoine Griezmann and Jan Oblak.

Steve McManaman, former Liverpool midfielder, on TNT Sports:

Right guys, I have just read a mental stat that I have to share...

Conor Gallagher being the only Englishman in either Liverpool or Atlético's line-up tonight is the first time a non-English club has provided the only English starter in a Champions League game involving an English side since David Beckham started for Real Madrid against Arsenal in March 2006.

Yep, I know. Mental.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harvey Elliott having left, plus Curtis Jones being injured, Arne Slot hasn't called upon an Englishman this season.

So it leaves Gallagher to fly the flag at Anfield tonight.

Arne Slot, Liverpool boss, speaking to TNT Sports avout starting Alexander Isak:

On starting Isak or Hugo Ekitike on the wing:

Here he is!

That's a decent little cheer from the Liverpool fans. There aren't many inside here yet, but those that are have just given a cheeky roar toward Alexander Isak.

The £125million forward has just hopped onto the Anfield turf for the very first time as a Liverpool player.

He gives a little clap, but then it's straight to work.

By William Bridges, Daily Mail:

Head-to-head stats (courtesy of UEFA):

Gefeliciteerd met je verjaardag, Arne!

I'm pretty sure that means Happy Birthday in Dutch. Well, that's what Google Translate has told me.

The Dutchman turns 47 years old today, and I bet there is only one present that he wants... three points.

Then his players can get the bunting out in the dressing room.

Is that an Ikea logo I see?

These Liverpool fans must be ecstatic that Alexander Isak is starting, given the effort they went through to get this flag sorted.

At first, I thought this was a Swedish flag, but then I realised what it was. A classic move.

They won't be the only fans buzzing, I'm pretty sure everybody who is hovering around Anfield will be excited to see Isak.

I personally can't wait to watch him in red and see how he fares.

Andy Robertson, Liverpool vice-captain, on TNT Sports:

On fighting with Miloz Kerkez to start:

On Atletico Madrid:

Michael Owen, former Liverpool striker, on TNT Sports:

Right, we have to talk about Liverpool's start to the season, don't we?

To say it has been mental is an understatement.

Four wins from four in the Premier League, but that is only half the story. They have needed four winning goals after the 80th minute to win those games.

Social media has been rife with rival fans calling it luck, and I guess elements of it are. I mean, we have never seen a start to the season like it.

However, I think calling Liverpool lucky is a bit harsh. I get it for the Newcastle game, because they were second best by some way, but for the others, it feels harsh.

At Burnley, for example, yes, they weren't anywhere near their best, but they knocked at the door for 95 minutes, barely giving Burnley a sniff. When you do that, something is bound to go your way.

Yes, we are yet to see the best of Liverpool, but I wouldn't say they have been as shocking as many have made out.

Maybe tonight is the night we see what they are truly about.

A penny for Hugo Ekitike's thoughts...

The lad got four games, and now he has been benched. Whether he is a team player or not, that will sting a little.

I'm sure the lad will get at least 30 minutes, but Arne Slot's call basically signifies that he is the No.2 striker.

It's to be expected, but many thought that he may get a go on the left. Obviously not.

Despite a strong start to the season, Ekitike drops to the bench.

Diego Simeone has named his line-up.

As you can see, there is no Julian Alvarez who is out through injury for the first time since 2022.

Yep, pretty crazy.

Summer signing Giacomo Raspadori takes the striker position, with Antoine Griezmann behind him.

England midfielder Conor Gallagher also starts.

Wow, I can't lie, I didn't see that coming.

When I was texting a friend early, I told him that I expected Alexander Isak to get 15 minutes at the most at the end of the game.

But what do I know, eh?

To go from not being fit enough for the squad to getting a start in the Champions League is pretty mental really. He must have shown a lot in training to get Arne Slot to make that call.

I'd be surprised if he got more than 60 minutes, but at this point, who actually knows?

What I do know, though, is that Reds fans will be BUZZING.

Big, big, big news!

Alexander Isak isn't just in the squad, but he will start for Liverpool this evening. Who saw this coming?

Hugo Ekitike drops to the bench, as does Alexis Mac Allister, with Jeremie Frimpong coming in.

Milos Kerkez is also dropped for Andy Robertson.

Liverpool fans will be making their way to Anfield tonight, wondering if they are going to watch their new £125million man in action at last.

It's been a couple of weeks since he signed, so it's valid.

Arne Slot left Alexander Isak out of the Liverpool squad for their win at Burnley because he lacked match fitness. I mean, that's kind of what happens when you go AWOL and avoid pre-season to push for a move.

Well, a few days of training have now passed, and going by Slot's pre-match comments, it feels like we will see Isak at some point tonight.

I'm almost certain he will be on the bench, but you never know, eh, he may even start?

We will find out in just a few minutes.

Arne Slot, Liverpool head coach, speaking on Tuesday:

On whether Alexander Isak will be in the squad:

The Champions League was a proper rollercoaster ride for Liverpool last season.

They won the league phase at an absolute canter, and the majority just assumed they would be able to go all the way. I mean, at the same time, they were coasting to the Premier League title.

But what was their reward for winning the league phase?

That's right, they had to face a rejuvenated PSG. Not exactly the match-up you'd expect after topping the group, is it? It almost felt cruel, but that's football.

Obviously, we all know what happened. PSG knocked the Reds out on penalties and went on to win the whole thing, and in style.

So, the question is: have Liverpool learned from their shortcomings, and are they ready to win ol' Big Ears again?

Well, they look completely different, given that almost £450million was pumped into the squad. It's completely different, and as the Premier League has shown, it's taking time for them to gel.

Once they do, though, they will be incredible and able to fight on all fronts. Given that they secured the Premier League last season, the Champions League will be top of their goals list this year.

They have a tough start to the campaign, but if they get through tonight and the games thereafter, you'd expect them to be up with PSG and Arsenal as the favourites.

Can they start with a bang at Anfield tonight?

Yep, it's going to be another stacked night of footie in Europe.

Last night was just the starter, and it was the equivalent of calamari bites - a good way to kick off a meal - and now it's time for the main course.

This blog focuses just on what is happening at Anfield this evening, but there are some big matches elsewhere too.

Here is the schedule:

Let's start back where we left off last night, shall we?

I mean, it was one hell of an opening night. Goals galore, red cards, penalty drama. It had it all.

Arsenal started the evening off in style over in Spain, as they took down Athletic Bilbao at the San Mames.

It was far from a vintage performance, that's for sure, but Mikel Arteta showed why this summer's investment will be pivotal for his team's season. The size of their squad is what earned them three points tonight.

The Spaniard brought Gabriel Martinelli on for a struggling Eberechi Eze in the 71st minute, and 36 seconds later, he opened the scoring out of the blue. And three minutes from time, Martinelli raced down the left before setting up fellow substitute Leandro Trossard to seal the point.

It was a brilliant night all around for those from north London, as Arsenal's rivals Tottenham also started with a win as they took down Villarreal. Another tough evening, but they got the job done.

Elsewhere, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund played out an eight-goal thriller in which the Italians scored two stoppage-time goals to earn a point.

Real Madrid were also involved in a dramatic 90 minutes, somehow getting a win despite being down to 10 men against Marseille, courtesy of two Kylian Mbappe penalties.

And breathe... you got all that?

I hope so because I am not typing about last night again, that's all you are getting.

Is there any place better on a European night?

When nightfall descends on Anfield this evening, the place will be electric. Big games like this get the best out of Liverpool fans, and tonight will be no different.

Liverpool kick their Champions League campaign off with nearly as tough a test as they could have got, with Atletico Madrid coming to town.

Now, now, I know many people just believe that the Reds will walk all over Atletico, given they have been dubbed the 'new Galacticos', but anybody who knows anything about Diego Simeone's side will know how hard this match will be for the Premier League champions.

It ain't going to be no walk in the park.

What it hopefully will be, though, is an absolute cracker of an evening. This is the Champions League, it's never dull, is it? Last night proved that.

So, without further ado, let's get this show on the road!