Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid: Mac Allister Winner Completes Anfield Comeback

Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid: Mac Allister Winner Completes Anfield Comeback Liverpool began their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield as Alexis Mac Allister produced a superb second-half winner. Marcos Llorente had given Atletico an early advantage before Dominik Szoboszlai brought Liverpool level before half-time. Mac Allister then completed the turnaround with an emphatic strike from outside the penalty area, giving Andoni Iraola his first home victory as Liverpool manager and his first win in the Champions League. It maintained Liverpool’s unbeaten start under their new manager, although another match in which they conceded first will give Iraola something to consider. Photo by IMAGO Llorente Haunts Liverpool Again Atletico arrived at Anfield with a clear threat on the counter-attack and took advantage when Liverpool switched off defensively. Milos Kerkez failed to track Llorente’s run as Julian Alvarez picked out the midfielder, who finished beyond Alisson to put the visitors ahead. It continued an extraordinary individual record for Llorente at Anfield. The Spaniard famously scored twice on Merseyside in March 2020 as Diego Simeone’s Atletico eliminated Liverpool from the Champions League, with Llorente later naming his dog “Anfield” in recognition of that memorable night. Five of Llorente’s 10 Champions League goals have now been scored at Liverpool’s home ground. The goal also continued an early trend under Iraola. Liverpool have now conceded first in three of their opening four competitive matches of the season. While they have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to respond, it is an issue the new Liverpool manager will want to address as the campaign progresses. Szoboszlai Restores Parity Atletico had opportunities to extend their advantage, with Alisson forced into a good save to deny Alvarez from distance. The Argentine forward was making his first Atletico start of the season after failing to secure his desired summer move to Barcelona and looked dangerous whenever the Spanish side were able to transition into attack. Liverpool gradually began to build momentum, however, and their equaliser arrived before half-time. Kerkez made amends for his earlier defensive mistake by doing well to regain possession before Ronald Araujo produced an intelligent back-heel to create the opening. Szoboszlai supplied the finish, beating Jan Oblak and ensuring Liverpool went into the interval on level terms. It proved an important moment in the contest, allowing Iraola’s side to start the second half without the pressure of chasing an Atletico lead. Barcola Misses Before Mac Allister Delivers Summer signing Bradley Barcola was handed his first Liverpool start following his £123 million move from Paris Saint-Germain. The French winger had a major opportunity shortly after half-time but failed to convert, sending his effort wide when presented with a clear sight of goal. Liverpool did not have to wait long for another opportunity. Just a minute later, Mac Allister collected a loose ball outside the Atletico penalty area and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike beyond Oblak. The Atletico goalkeeper had little chance as the shot flew into the net in front of the Kop. It was a significant moment for Mac Allister after the midfielder had dominated much of the pre-match discussion. The 27-year-old admitted during Tuesday’s press conference that he was “sad” Liverpool had not offered him a new contract during the summer, despite his existing deal running until 2028. Whatever questions remain regarding his long-term future, his importance to Liverpool was underlined by a goal that ultimately decided the contest. Barcola Injury Provides Liverpool Concern There was a setback for Liverpool later in the second half when Barcola went down despite appearing to suffer the problem without any contact from an Atletico player. The winger was unable to continue and was replaced around the hour mark. Liverpool will now wait to discover the severity of the issue, particularly given the significant investment made to bring the France international to Anfield during the summer. His first start had offered some promising moments despite the missed chance, and Iraola will hope the injury does not result in an extended spell on the sidelines. Iraola Claims First Anfield Victory Atletico continued to pose a threat as Liverpool attempted to protect their narrow advantage, but the home side successfully managed the closing stages to secure all three points. For Iraola, the result represents another important step in the early stages of his Liverpool tenure. His side remain unbeaten across their opening four competitive fixtures, recording two Premier League draws and one victory before adding a Champions League win. There are still areas requiring improvement, particularly Liverpool’s tendency to fall behind, but the ability to recover has already become a notable feature of their performances. Against Atletico, they were required to show patience after conceding before producing enough attacking quality to turn the match around. Szoboszlai’s equaliser changed the momentum before Mac Allister provided the standout moment of the night. For Liverpool, it is three points on the board at the first opportunity in Europe. For Atletico, another Llorente goal at Anfield ultimately proved insufficient. Liverpool will travel to face LASK on 14 October for their second Champions League fixture.