Liverpool hosts Villarreal in Champions League clash at Anfield

Liverpool hosts Villarreal at Anfield for a Matchday 3 UEFA Champions League fixture on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Both teams enter the match following recent European victories: Liverpool secured a 6-3 win against LASK, while Villarreal defeated Napoli 3-1.

Liverpool faces significant injury concerns, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong both sidelined due to hamstring issues. Other notable absentees include Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni. Despite these setbacks, the Reds maintain a perfect record in the competition so far.

Villarreal, led by manager Iñigo Pérez, seeks to build on their recent momentum. The match features a personal connection between the two managers, as Pérez and Liverpool's Andoni Iraola are long-time friends and former colleagues at Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano. Pérez noted that while they maintain a close relationship, they have kept a professional distance as the match approaches.