Liverpool come back to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in Champions League opener

Atletico Madrid took an early lead at Anfield when Julian Alvarez set up Marcos Llorente, who finished to put the visitors ahead. The goal continued Llorente’s strong record at Anfield, his fifth in three visits for Atletico. Liverpool responded by increasing the tempo and creating chances, with Alexander Isak coming close after a driving run from Dominik Szoboszlai.

Liverpool drew level on 40 minutes when Ronald Araujo’s flick found Szoboszlai, who slotted the equaliser into the bottom corner. The visitors had earlier threatened from distance, with Alisson Becker making a fine save to keep Liverpool in the game before the turnaround.

Early in the second half Alexis Mac Allister — who had publicly voiced frustration about not being offered a new Liverpool contract and had been linked with Atletico during the window — struck the decisive blow, drilling a left-foot shot from the edge of the area to make it 2-1 and sparking wild celebrations in front of the Kop.

The victory came with a setback as new signing Bradley Barcola, making his Anfield debut, limped off with a calf problem before the hour mark after missing a couple of clear chances. Barcola had started alongside fellow high-fee signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, marking the first time Liverpool named three players who each cost over £100 million in the same XI.

Iraola will take encouragement from his side’s defensive stability in the latter stages as Atletico offered few clear opportunities after the break. Szoboszlai was named player of the match and said he was pleased to be back for a special night, describing the contest as very even between two strong teams.