Johnny Cardoso was only a spectator in Atletico Madrid’s return to La Liga play on Saturday but the American will be hoping to be among the action in Wednesday’s trip to Merseyside.
Cardoso and Atletico Madrid face off with reigning English Premier League champions Liverpool in both clubs’ UEFA Champions League opener. The U.S. men’s national team midfielder was not part of the latest international window and was an unused substitute in a 2-0 league victory over Villarreal on Saturday.
Regardless, Cardoso should be a key piece in Diego Simeone’s squad this season, especially with Atletico set for multiple tournaments. The 23-year-old was previously linked with a move to England this summer and a showdown with Arne Slot’s Reds at Anfield may just be one of his toughest tests of 2025.
Elsewhere in Europe, Sergino Dest and Weston McKennie are also in UEFA Champions League action. Malik Tillman and Folarin Balogun will also begin their European schedules.
In England, Chris Richards and Ethan Horvath have EFL Cup matches coming up.
In Greece, Erik Palmer-Brown and Panathinaikos are in cup action.
Here is a closer look at this week’s Americans Abroad:
Europe
Champions League
Sergino Dest and PSV host Union St. Gilloise on Tuesday.
Johnny Cardoso and Atletico Madrid visit Liverpool on Wednesday.
Yunus Musah and Atalanta visit PSG on Wednesday.
Folarin Balogun and Monaco visit Club Brugge on Thursday.
Weston McKennie and Juventus host Cole Campbell and Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.
Malik Tillman and Bayer Leverkusen visit FC København on Thursday.
Josh Wynder and Benfica host Qarabag on Tuesday.
Timmy Chandler and Eintracht Frankfurt host Galatasaray on Thursday.
England
EFL Cup
Chris Richards and Crystal Palace host Millwall on Tuesday.
Ethan Horvath and Sheffield Wednesday host Grimsby Town on Tuesday.
Germany
3. Liga
Terrence Boyd and Waldhof Mannheim host VfB Stuttgart II on Wednesday.
Denmark
Danish Cup
Matthew Hoppe and Sonderjyske visit Hvidovre on Tuesday.
Greece
Cup
Erik Palmer-Brown and Panathinaikos host Athens Kallithea on Wednesday.