Liverpool Benches Florian Wirtz Against Villarreal

Liverpool left Germany international Florian Wirtz on the bench for its Champions League home match against Villarreal at Anfield on Tuesday evening, October 20, 2026. The attacking midfielder entered the game at the start of the second half with the score level at 2-2, replacing Roland Araujo as Liverpool adjusted its lineup during the match. Wirtz had provided an assist in each of his previous two appearances for Liverpool, against Linz and Brentford, according to Sport1.

Liverpool won both matches, but the German international did not receive a starting role against Villarreal. Bradley Barcola and Alexander Isak were also among the players initially named on the bench alongside Wirtz. The decision left Liverpool with several attacking options available as the match progressed.

Liverpool's starting lineup featured Alexis Mac Allister in midfield, positioned ahead of Trey Nioni and Ryan Gravenberch, according to Sport1's match report. The selection placed Mac Allister in the starting side instead of Wirtz for the Champions League fixture.

In attack, Rio Ngumoha, Lewis Koumas and Cody Gakpo formed Liverpool's starting front three for the home match at Anfield. Captain Virgil van Dijk led a defensive unit that Sport1 described as containing no surprises. The match against Villarreal also marked the beginning of a demanding stretch for Liverpool, with four challenging fixtures scheduled across the following 12 days. According to Sport1, the club was due to face Brighton on October 25, Chelsea on October 28 and Arsenal on November 1.

The upcoming schedule includes domestic league fixtures against three opponents in addition to the Champions League meeting with Villarreal. Wirtz's introduction at halftime against the Spanish side came as Liverpool continued its run of matches across multiple competitions.