Liverpool began its Champions League campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday, with Alexis Mac Allister scoring the decisive goal in the second half.
Marcos Llorente had given Atletico an early lead before Dominik Szoboszlai restored parity shortly before the interval. Mac Allister then completed the turnaround with a powerful effort from outside the box.
The result gave Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola a winning start in his first Champions League match in charge, although the victory was tempered by an injury to new signing Bradley Barcola, who was forced off with a calf problem.
Liverpool started brightly, with Alexander Isak going close after a quick break led by Szoboszlai. But the home side’s attacking approach also left space at the back, and Atletico took advantage.
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Julian Alvarez, making his first start of the season, opened up the Liverpool defence with a pass that released Llorente, who finished confidently past Alisson Becker. The midfielder continued his impressive record at Anfield, having also scored twice there in Atletico’s Champions League win in 2020.
Alisson then produced a sharp save to deny Alvarez from distance before Liverpool began to work its way back into the match.
Barcola had two good opportunities to mark his first Anfield start with a goal, but failed to beat Jan Oblak with the first and later shot wide after being played through by Florian Wirtz.
Liverpool eventually equalised in the 40th minute. Ronald Araujo’s touch helped the ball into Szoboszlai’s path, and the midfielder found the bottom corner.
The host went ahead after the break through Mac Allister, who struck from outside the area with his left foot and sent the ball beyond Oblak.
Atletico struggled to create clear openings after falling behind, with Alvarez shooting straight at Alisson from one of its better chances.
Liverpool also came close to adding a third, but Robin Le Normand produced a timely challenge to stop Isak.
Iraola’s side managed the closing stages well to secure all three points, while attention will now turn to the extent of Barcola’s calf injury.
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid Player Ratings
Liverpool: Alisson Becker (6.8), Ronald Araujo (7.4), Jeremy Jacquet (6.9), Virgil van Dijk (7.1), Milos Kerkez (6.7), Dominik Szoboszlai (8.7), Alexis Mac Allister (7.8), Bradley Barcola (6.5), Florian Wirtz (7.2), Rio Ngumoha (6.3), Alexander Isak (7.3)
Substitutes: Alejandro Grimaldo (6.4), Jeremie Frimpong (6.5), Ryan Gravenberch (6.6), Lewis Koumas (6.1), Konstantinos Tsimikas (6.2)
Atletico Madrid: Jan Oblak (6.7), Marc Pubill (6.2), Cristian Romero (6.6), David Hancko (6.4), Marcos Llorente (7.6), Pablo Barrios (6.5), Koke (6.3), Giuliano Simeone (6.4), Kang-In Lee (6.6), Álex Baena (6.5), Julián Álvarez (7.2)
Substitutes: Ademola Lookman (6.3), Víctor Munoz (6.2), Jonathan David (6.1), Robin Le Normand (6.2), Morten Hjulmand (6.3).
( With inputs from AFP, FotMob)
Published on Sep 10, 2026