Liverpool host Atlético Madrid in what promises to be an intriguing battle between a relentless attack and a well-regimented defensive unit.
Whilst none of the current crop of players have played for both sides, the list of historic players to have played for both Liverpool and Atleti is rather impressive.
Luis Suárez
A legend in both Liverpool and Atlético colours. The mercurial talent scored 82 in 133 games for Liverpool, falling agonisingly close to the Premier League title in 2013/14. His famous SAS partnership with Daniel Sturridge remains one of the most lethal in league history.
Suárez wasn’t as prolific at Atlético – bagging 34 in 83 – but he was just as influential. The Uruguayan’s 21 league goals in 2020/21 helped Atlético to pip city rivals Real to La Liga glory.
Fernando Torres
The connection between the two clubs wouldn’t feel complete without Torres. A boyhood Atlético hero who came through their academy, he moved to Liverpool in 2007 and became a fan favourite with his explosive pace and clinical finishing. His 81 goals in 142 games cemented his reputation as one of the best strikers in Europe before later returning to Atlético to end his career.
Maxi Rodríguez
Known for his versatility and eye for goal, Maxi joined Liverpool in 2010 from Atlético. The Argentine winger gave the Reds memorable moments, including a run of hat-tricks under Kenny Dalglish. Maxi is fondly remembered as a cult hero on Merseyside, thanks in part to his iconic chant sung by The Kop.
Luis García
Another beloved cult hero at Anfield, García had two stints at Atlético. The first was highly successful for the young Spanish winger, scoring 9 league goals and subsequently being re-signed by Barcelona.
Rafa Benítez, having previously worked with García at Tenerife, brought him to Anfield in the summer of 2004. Luis García was a key player in Liverpool’s Champions League run, including the infamous ‘ghost goal’ against Mourinho’s Chelsea.
García returned to Atlético at the same time Torres was going the other way, but he was never able to hit the same heights again. When Atlético visited Anfield in the 2008/09 Champions League, García was warmly welcomed by the Liverpool faithful.
Emiliano Insúa
The Argentine full-back came through at Boca Juniors before joining Liverpool as a teenager. An injury to Fábio Aurélio presented Insúa with a string of games in the first team, but he never held down a regular starting position. Following a brief spell in Portugal, Insúa joined Atlético but didn’t stay for long.
Javier Manquillo
Manquillo came through the Atlético academy, making his first team debut aged 17. The right-back joined Liverpool on an initial two-year loan and featured prominently in the first half of the 2014/15 season. However, game time curtailed off and Atlético subsequently cancelled the loan.
He has since carved out a steady career with stints at Marseille, Sunderland, Newcastle United and Celta Vigo.
Diogo Jota
The legendary forward tragically taken too soon.
Jota never made a competitive appearance for Atlético, but certainly became a club legend at Liverpool. His consistency in front of goal and ability to deliver in the big games marked him out as one of Klopp’s key players in an era when Liverpool won the Premier League, FA Cup and 2 League Cups.
Tonight’s fixture will feature emotional tributes from both sets of fans. A reminder that while he may be gone, his legacy will always be remembered.
