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As it happenedended1582063159

Atletico vs Liverpool LIVE: Result and reaction from Champions League fixture tonight

Atletico Madrid took the upper hand in this last-16 tie after Saul Niguez's early goal

Karl Matchett
Tuesday 18 February 2020 22:52 GMT
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(Getty)

Champions League holders Liverpool will need to summon another famous European comeback at Anfield next month after they were beaten 1-0 away to Atletico Madrid in their last-16 first leg on Tuesday.

Spain midfielder Saul Niguez struck the only goal of the game in the fourth minute by bundling into the net from close range following a corner, their traditional weapon of choice in recent years.

Liverpool, who have won 25 of 26 Premier League games this season and are on course for a record-smashing title win, missed a series of chances to equalise in the second half, with Mohamed Salah and captain Jordan Henderson coming closest to scoring.

Juergen Klopp's side play at home to Atletico on March 11 in the return leg at Anfield, where they produced an incredible 4-0 win over Barcelona in last year's semi-final second leg after losing the first match 3-0.

When is the match

The match kicks off at 8pm at the Wanda Metropolitano.

What TV channel is it on?

The game will be broadcast to BT Sport subscribers on BT Sport 2.

Viewers can also access coverage online via the BT Sport app.

Prediction

Liverpool to be too good for Atletico and hurt them with their pace, winning 1-0 in a game of few chances.

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Atletico Madrid are a team who have shared around responsibility at the top end of the pitch this season.

In European games, no player has scored more than two goals and no player has made more than one assist so far this term.

Domestically, though, Angel Correa has been a big performer for them, often up front instead of his old role as a battling right-sided outlet. Four goals and five assists in LaLiga showcase his importance and they'll need him dropping into the channels tonight, with Morata not yet fully fit.

Karl Matchett18 February 2020 19:40
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The two managers are among the most admired in European football these days. Both demand lots of work ethic, both have won major titles. Both want a win tonight.

Karl Matchett18 February 2020 19:49
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Kick-off approaching

This could be the first of several epic encounters across the last 16. Which way will this 90 minutes go though? Atletico surely need something positive, given how strong Liverpool are at home. On the other hand, if the Reds play as they usually do, they could dominate enough to get chances and score one or two themselves.

Karl Matchett18 February 2020 19:57
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Kick-off!

We are underway at the Wanda Metropolitano and the Champions League is back!

Karl Matchett18 February 2020 20:01
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Atletico Madrid 0-0 Liverpool

2' - Jeers from the home side as the Reds earn some early possession. A few early nerves on show too perhaps, judging by one or two overhit passes.

Karl Matchett18 February 2020 20:04
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GOAL! Atletico Madrid 1-0 Liverpool

3' - What a start for the home team! A corner is swung over by Koke, bounces off Fabinho's foot and falls to Saul - who side-foots home from two yards! 

Karl Matchett18 February 2020 20:06
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Atletico Madrid 1-0 Liverpool

6' - In games with a full-strength team, that's the first goal Liverpool have conceded since Wolves, just under a month ago. What a boost for Atletico, who have started really well. Correa races away down the left channel and puts a ball along the six-yard box, but nobody is there and he's flagged offside anyway.

Karl Matchett18 February 2020 20:09
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Atletico Madrid 1-0 Liverpool

10' - Firmino wins possession for Liverpool in the Atletico half, but a first crossing chance for Trent Alexander-Arnold ends in a wayward delivery. The away team just starting to settle a little now on the ball.

Karl Matchett18 February 2020 20:13
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Atletico Madrid 1-0 Liverpool

13' - Another cross into the crowd from Alexander-Arnold, with two waiting for the ball into the middle. Liverpool have Atletico pinned back now, two banks of four on the edge of their own box. Very compact, very organised from the home team.

Karl Matchett18 February 2020 20:16
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Atletico Madrid 1-0 Liverpool

16' - Atletico have never lost a Champions League knock-out match at home under Simeone. Liverpool have never lost a two-legged tie in any European competition under Klopp. Will either statistic give over the 180 minutes?

Karl Matchett18 February 2020 20:18

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