The "Opta" statistics network highlighted a rare event during the match between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid held at Anfield, as part of the first round of the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026, which ended the first half with Liverpool leading 2-1.

Opta pointed out that Liverpool, featuring Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch, and Jeremie Frimpong, became the first non-Dutch team to have four Dutch players in the starting lineup of a Champions League match since Barcelona in April 2003, which included Patrick Kluivert, Marc Overmars, Frank de Boer, and Michael Reiziger.

The network also clarified that the inclusion of Conor Gallagher as the only English player in the lineups of Liverpool and Atletico tonight is a rare occurrence, as it is the first time an English player from a non-English club has started in a Champions League match featuring an English team since David Beckham played for Real Madrid against Arsenal in March 2006.

It is noteworthy that Liverpool took an early lead with two goals in the first half through Andrew Robertson in the fourth minute and Mohamed Salah in the seventh minute, before Atletico Madrid reduced the deficit in the 45 + 3 minute through Marcos Llorente.