Liverpool edged a thrilling Champions League opener on Wednesday night, beating Atletico Madrid 3-2 at Anfield, before manager Arne Slot turned his focus to Saturday's Merseyside derby with encouraging news on the injury front.
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has admitted his team's poor start to the La Liga season is indefensible, saying there is "no justification" for taking just two points from their opening three matches.
Diego Simeone has encouraged Atletico Madrid to build on the encouraging signs from their display, even as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Espanyol in the opening fixture of the 2025-26 La Liga campaign.
Atletico Madrid have landed a major coup with the signing of David Hancko, the Slovakian defender who realised his dream of joining the club after a turbulent transfer saga.
In a significant boost to their midfield arsenal, Atletico Madrid has officially secured the services of United States international Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis.
UEFA have dismissed Real Madrid's appeal against sanctions imposed on Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, and Dani Ceballos following their actions in the Champions League round of 16 second leg against Atletico Madrid last March.