Follow every kick as Atletico Madrid take on Liverpool at Vicente Calderon in the Europa League
on 22-Apr-2010, kick off time 20:50
Atletico Madrid v Liverpool LIVE
Liverpool's January signing Maxi Rodriguez will be ineligible to face his former club tonight, have already played for Atletico earlier in this European competition.
Defenders Fabio Aurelio, Emiliano Insua, Martin Skrtel and Martin Kelly are all out injured for the Reds, but winger Ryan Babel is back after serving a one game suspension, and is pushing for a place in the starting line up.
Atletico's star striker and Chelsea target Sergio Aguero will be missing for the hosts as he serves a one match ban. Diego Forlan is likely to lead the attack alone in his absence, with Simao, Jurado and Arsenal old boy Jose Antonio Reyes forming a three man support just behind him.
Atletico have one of the leakiest defences in La Liga, so Liverpool will be gutted hitman Fernando Torres will be unable to make the trip to face his former club.
The home fans have been denied an emotional reunion with their former hero, who still holds a place in many fans' hearts.
Both sides will be desperate for victory to help put a silver lining around otherwise disappointing campaigns.
Despite it taking Liverpool almost 24 hours to reach Madrid, manager Rafa Benitez insists his team are "in god spirits."
Atletico's Uruguayan international striker Diego Forlan has claimed Liverpool are "less dangerous without Torres", but his manager Quique Sanchez Flores is wary the loss of Aguero could be just as damaging for the Madrid club.
Flores added he doesn't think anything will be decided in tonight's first leg: "This competition always gives very close score lines in the first leg," he said.
"We will have to play at a very high level."
Source: DSG
