Liverpool return to Champions League duty on Tuesday versus Atletico Madrid, kick-off at 19:45 hours (GMT). The two teams, tied at the top of Group D, meet after a score draw in Madrid a fortnight ago. Fernando Torres, who stayed on Merseyside to recover from injury, will find out tomorrow following an early-morning training session, if he will enter the team-list for the game at Anfield.

Although Fernando was not present at the previous meeting between the two sides in the Spanish capital, the striker’s name was chanted by both sets of supporters; football fans who would have loved to have seen ‘their’ striker take part in the Champions League clash at the Vicente Calderon. The game finished one apiece as Robbie Keane gave the Reds the lead, before Simao grabbed a late equaliser with a goal in the 82nd minute.

The Merseysiders arrive on the back of a surprising Premier League loss at White Harte Lane. Having taken the lead in the first-half, the Reds had several chances to make the game safe. However, Tottenham dew level against the run of play, before grabbing all three points with a goal in the final minute.

Atletico Madrid for their part lie sixth, and on Saturday collected their first league victory in five attempts with a 2-0 home win against Mallorca. Aguero scored twice in the opening forty-five minute period as Atletico returned to winning ways in ‘La Liga’ following losses to Seville, Barcelona, Real Madrid and a draw away to Villarreal.

On Tuesday night, both teams will have one eye on the other Group D tie between Olympique Marseille and PSV at the Velodrome. A victory for Fernando Torres’ team could see them seal their place in the next round with two games still remaining.


Photo: J.A. Sirvent