Alexis Mac Allister delivered the decisive strike as Liverpool came from behind to beat Atlético Madrid 2–1 at Anfield, giving Andoni Iraola a winning start to his Champions League coaching career.
Marcos Llorente put the visitors ahead before Dominik Szoboszlai equalised before half-time. Mac Allister then completed the turnaround with a powerful finish on a night when Bradley Barcola’s first Liverpool start brought missed opportunities and a second-half substitution with an issue described as cramp.
Szoboszlai Responds to Llorente’s Opener
Atlético struck first through a player who has repeatedly troubled Liverpool. Julián Álvarez, restored to the starting line-up, played Llorente through to score his fifth goal against the English side.
Liverpool’s response came before the interval, with Barcola involved in the move that produced the equaliser. Jan Oblak denied the French forward, but Ronald Araújo kept the attack alive by recycling the opportunity, allowing Szoboszlai to bring the hosts level.
The goal ensured Liverpool reached half-time back on terms rather than facing the task of overturning Atlético’s advantage after the break.
Mac Allister Supplies the Decisive Finish
Barcola’s finishing remained a frustration on his first start, but another of his opportunities was followed immediately by Liverpool finding the net.
This time, Mac Allister provided the breakthrough, unleashing a superb strike to put the hosts ahead. His finish ultimately separated the teams and turned an uncertain evening into a successful European opening for Iraola.
There was a notable similarity between Liverpool’s goals: both arrived directly after chances for Barcola. Although the £123 million signing could not mark the occasion with a goal, Liverpool capitalised on the attacking situations around him.
Barcola Withdrawn as Liverpool Avoid Another Draw
Barcola missed three promising opportunities before feeling discomfort in his calf during the second half. He was subsequently substituted, with the problem described as cramp.
His withdrawal added another talking point to an eventful first start, although it did not prevent Liverpool from securing the result.
Having drawn their opening two Premier League matches 2–2, the hosts faced the possibility of another draw in an open contest. This time, however, they retained their advantage.
Mac Allister’s winner gave Liverpool the distinction that had been missing from those early league outings: a decisive goal followed by a winning result. For Iraola, it also ensured his first Champions League match as a head coach ended with victory at Anfield.
Publisher
The BW Game Hub Sports Analysis Unit covers major European leagues, international competitions and the global transfer market. Our reporting combines official club announcements, competition data, established news agencies and football-statistics providers. Transfer stories are checked against primary club sources wherever available, while statistical analysis uses recognised data sources such as Opta, FBref, league databases and official competition records. Where information has not been officially confirmed, BW Game Hub clearly identifies it as reported rather than confirmed.
