Atletico Madrid's Arnau Ortiz Banned From Playing vs Liverpool

Atletico Madrid will travel to Anfield to face Liverpool in the opening game of their 2026-27 Champions League campaign, but winger Arnau Ortiz will not be available for selection.

The two sides met at Anfield in the first outing of the previous season, with a late Virgil van Dijk header securing a 3-2 victory for Arne Slot’s side. Now Diego Simeone faces that fixture with a reduced squad, after an incident from two years ago triggers a UEFA suspension for Ortiz, who was recently promoted from the club’s reserve side.

Ortiz Carries a Suspension Into the Champions League Opener

The Spanish winger has featured in three of Atletico’s first four La Liga fixtures, including the 3-0 defeat against Athletic Club. He impressed for Atletico Madrid B last season, scoring 23 goals in 34 appearances.

The ban stems from a Europa Conference League qualifier played while Ortiz was on loan at a Polish club. He was sent off for two yellow cards in quick succession, booked first for diving and then for protesting the decision just three minutes after coming on as a substitute. The match ended in a 3-2 loss for his side, with two of his teammates also dismissed.

Because Ortiz has not appeared in European competition since that fixture, the one-game suspension remained outstanding and will now be served against Liverpool.

Read also: Barcelona vs Feyenoord, Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid: Champions League Betting Tips 09 September

Simeone’s Attack Already Stretched

The absence adds to an already difficult situation in Atletico’s forward line. Alexander Sorloth is unavailable, and Julian Alvarez’s attempt to force a move to Barcelona has cast doubt on his involvement, though he is expected to make the trip to England despite not starting a game this season. Loan signing Jonathan David, who joined from Juventus, could be handed a starting role up front.

Simeone Himself Served a Ban After Last Season’s Anfield Visit

The coach is no stranger to UEFA sanctions at this ground. During last season’s Champions League match at Anfield, Simeone was caught on camera confronting a member of the crowd shortly after Van Dijk’s winner. He claimed he had been insulted prior to the exchange, but UEFA suspended him for one game for unsporting conduct. The 56-year-old served that ban in the following European fixture.

With key attacking options missing and fresh disciplinary complications, Atletico head into the 2026-27 Champions League campaign at a clear disadvantage. Follow TipsGG for full coverage of the match and the latest team news from both camps.

Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 07-09-26.