Quick Read
- Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid kicks off September 17, 2025, at 8pm BST.
- RTÉ Player and Virgin Media Play stream the match for free in Ireland.
- Paramount Plus (USA), TNT Sports (UK), and DAZN (Canada) are official broadcasters.
- VPNs like NordVPN can unlock free Irish streams from abroad.
- UEFA social channels provide highlights and updates in real time.
Champions League Returns: The Global Stage Awaits Liverpool and Atletico Madrid
The lights of Anfield are set to blaze as Liverpool hosts Atletico Madrid in the opening match of their Champions League 2025/26 campaign on September 17. The promise of another dramatic European night brings with it not only anticipation for football fans, but also a dazzling array of ways to watch the action unfold—no matter where you are in the world.
This season, Liverpool enters the tournament with a spring in their step. The Reds have won all four of their opening Premier League games, sending a message that their ambitions remain as fierce as ever. Their performance in last year’s Champions League group stage—finishing top of their group—serves as a warning to any opponent. Yet, football’s unpredictability is ever-present, and Atletico Madrid, despite a rocky start to their La Liga season, have the kind of European pedigree that commands respect. Injuries to key players like Alex Baena, Jose Gimenez, and Thiago Almada mean they arrive at Anfield under pressure, but their six wins out of eight in last season’s league phase suggest they’re never to be counted out.
Free Streams: The Irish Advantage and VPN Tips
For Irish residents, the Champions League is closer than ever. RTÉ Player and Virgin Media Play are streaming eight Matchday 1 games—including Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid—completely free. No subscription, no sign-up; simply visit the RTÉ Player website or app at 8pm BST and join the action. Virgin Media Play also offers free access to select matches for those in Ireland.
But what if you’re not in Ireland? The rise of VPN services has made it possible for traveling fans to unlock their home country’s streams from anywhere. NordVPN, for example, is recommended by TechRadar for its ease of use and reliability. By selecting Ireland as your VPN location, you can access RTÉ Player or Virgin Media Play just as you would at home, enjoying the game without barriers. It’s a simple process: install the VPN, choose Ireland, and stream.
Importantly, using a VPN should always comply with the terms and conditions of the streaming service. Consuming paid content without authorization is neither endorsed nor supported by reputable tech sources.
Worldwide Broadcasters: Every Corner Covered
The Champions League isn’t just a European affair—it’s a global phenomenon. Broadcasters around the world are set to bring Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid into living rooms, bars, and mobile screens on every continent.
- United States: Paramount Plus holds the rights, with subscriptions starting at $7.99/month. Fans abroad can use a VPN to access their usual service.
- UK: TNT Sports is the go-to for British viewers, available through Sky, Virgin Media, EE TV, or Discovery+ (£30.99/month). VPNs again provide access for travelers.
- Africa: beIN Sports and SuperSport cover the continent, with split rights depending on the region.
- Canada: DAZN broadcasts the Champions League, alongside the Europa League and more.
- Latin America: Disney+ streams the games in countries from Argentina to Venezuela.
- Europe: Local broadcasters vary—Sky Sport (Austria), Play Sports (Belgium), Arena Sport (Balkans), Voyo Sport (Bulgaria), Cytavision (Cyprus), Nova Sport (Czechia), Viaplay (Scandinavia), MTV Katsomo (Finland), CANAL+ (France), DAZN/Amazon Prime (Germany), Cosmote Sport (Greece), RTL/Sport TV (Hungary), RTE/Premier Sports/TNT/Amazon Prime (Ireland), Sky Italia/Amazon Prime (Italy), Ziggo Sport (Netherlands), TV2 Play (Norway), DAZN/Sport TV (Portugal), TVP (Poland), Blue Sport/SRG SSR (Switzerland), Tabii (Turkey), Megogo (Ukraine).
- Asia: iQIYI (China), beIN Sports (Southeast Asia), Sony LIV (Indian subcontinent), Wowow (Japan), Q Sports (Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan), Premier Sports (Mongolia), SPOTV (South Korea).
- Oceania: Stan Sport (Australia), DAZN (New Zealand/Pacific Islands).
- Middle East: beIN Sports MENA covers Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE, Yemen.
The list is extensive, underscoring the truly global reach of the Champions League. No matter where you are, there’s a way to catch the match.
Tech Tips: Devices and Internet Speed
RTÉ Player and Virgin Media Play support a wide range of devices. Whether you’re on Amazon Fire TV, Android or iOS devices, Apple TV, Google TV, PlayStation, Xbox, Samsung or LG Smart TVs, or streaming via web browsers on laptops and desktops, you’re covered. RTÉ recommends a minimum internet speed of 5–10 Mbps for smooth, high-quality streaming. This means most modern connections will suffice, but for those on the move or relying on public Wi-Fi, checking your speed ahead of kickoff is wise.
Mobile streaming is also a breeze. Most broadcasters provide dedicated apps, so you can watch Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid from the palm of your hand—on the commute, at a café, or wherever you find yourself when the whistle blows.
Social Media and Real-Time Updates
For fans who can’t watch live, or want to supplement their viewing with real-time highlights and reactions, UEFA’s official social media channels are the place to be. Twitter/X (@ChampionsLeague), Instagram (@ChampionsLeague), TikTok (@ChampionsLeague), and YouTube (@UEFA) will be buzzing with every goal, save, and turning point. These platforms offer instant access to key moments, interviews, and expert analysis, bringing the excitement to your feed.
The Stakes: A Night to Set the Tone
Beyond the logistics of streaming and broadcasting, the match itself carries weight. Liverpool’s intent is clear: to build on a perfect domestic start and lay down a marker in Europe. Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, seeks to shake off early-season stumbles and remind the continent of their resilience. With injuries testing their squad depth, Atletico’s challenge at Anfield is steep—but history shows they thrive in adversity.
As the Champions League returns, fans are not just witnesses—they’re participants in a global ritual. The ability to tune in from anywhere, in any language, on any device, is a testament to the sport’s universality and the technological advances that keep us connected.
In a world where football bridges borders and time zones, the Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid clash is more than just a game—it’s a showcase of how technology and passion unite millions. The accessibility of free streams and global broadcasters means that no fan is left behind, and as the Champions League 2025/26 kicks off, it’s clear that the beautiful game is more accessible, and more universal, than ever before.