Mac Allister seals Liverpool’s Champions League comeback over Atlético Madrid

Liverpool began their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Atlético Madrid at Anfield, recovering from Marcos Llorente’s first-half opener through Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister. The result gave Andoni Iraola a second consecutive victory after his first Premier League win as Liverpool manager against Ipswich Town last week.

Liverpool recover after Llorente strikes again

Atlético took advantage of Liverpool’s high defensive line during an open opening half. Llorente broke through to score his fifth goal against the Reds, with Milos Kerkez unable to stay with the Spanish midfielder in the decisive moment.

Liverpool levelled shortly before the interval when Szoboszlai finished a move created by Ronald Araújo’s inventive backheel. The home side returned with greater control after the break and Mac Allister then decided the contest, driving a powerful effort in from outside the penalty area.

Atlético continued to press for a response, but Liverpool were more composed defensively in the closing stages and protected their narrow lead to open the league-phase campaign with three points.

• Marcos Llorente put Atlético ahead in the first half.
• Dominik Szoboszlai equalised before half-time after Araújo’s backheel.
• Alexis Mac Allister scored the winning goal from distance.
• Jeremie Frimpong later had a rebound finish disallowed for offside.

Iraola’s half-time response changes the contest

Iraola’s side were exposed too easily before the break, particularly when Atlético attacked space behind the defence. However, Liverpool’s performance improved markedly after half-time, with the midfield taking a firmer grip on possession and the team managing Atlético’s late attacking pressure with greater assurance.

Szoboszlai was central to that improvement, controlling the rhythm of play as well as scoring the equaliser. Mac Allister’s decisive strike came days after the Argentina international had expressed disappointment that Liverpool had not yet offered him a new contract.

Key Liverpool performances

• Alisson: Made an important save from Julián Álvarez, who connected cleanly with his effort. He was beaten by Llorente in the one-on-one situation but otherwise produced a solid display.
• Ronald Araújo: Supplied the standout piece of skill for the first Liverpool goal with his backheel to Szoboszlai, while also handling his defensive duties well.
• Jérémy Jacquet: Made several useful interceptions inside the area and continued to develop an encouraging central-defensive partnership with Virgil van Dijk.
• Virgil van Dijk: Was commanding for much of the match, although Liverpool’s back line allowed Llorente too much room for the opener.
• Milos Kerkez: Endured a difficult evening, with his lapse in tracking Llorente contributing to Atlético’s goal and Liverpool’s early defensive vulnerability.
• Dominik Szoboszlai: Liverpool’s leading performer, combining control in midfield with the equalising goal.
• Alexis Mac Allister: Scored the spectacular winner and helped Liverpool establish more authority after the interval.
• Florian Wirtz: Was steady without yet producing the consistent midfield influence expected of him.
• Bradley Barcola: Missed two major opportunities for his first Liverpool goal. Jan Oblak denied him before the winger later rolled another one-on-one effort wide. He was replaced after suffering cramp.
• Rio Ngumoha: The 18-year-old handled a demanding Champions League start against Atlético’s defence and continues to take on a larger role in the squad.
• Alexander Isak: Arrived after scoring three times in his previous two matches but could not add to that run. He pulled an early chance wide inside the opening minute.

Substitutes help Liverpool see out the win

Liverpool used their bench to preserve the advantage, with Ryan Gravenberch adding calm in possession after replacing Mac Allister in the 69th minute. Frimpong and Víctor Muñoz were both introduced on 60 minutes, while Kostas Tsimikas and Lewis Koumas entered late on.

• Ryan Gravenberch: Replaced Mac Allister in the 69th minute and provided a tidy, stabilising presence in midfield.
• Jeremie Frimpong: Came on for Ngumoha in the 60th minute, contributed defensively and saw a close-range finish ruled out for offside after Oblak saved from Muñoz.
• Víctor Muñoz: Replaced Barcola in the 60th minute, tested Oblak and added pace on the right flank.
• Kostas Tsimikas: Entered for Kerkez in the 88th minute.
• Lewis Koumas: Replaced Isak in the 88th minute.