Liverpool came from behind to seal Andoni Iraola’s first Champions League win as a manager, beating Atletico Madrid 2-1 at Anfield.
The hosts started brightly but were undone on the counter, with their defence worryingly absent as Marcos Llorente – back in his happy hunting ground – scored his fifth goal in three games at Anfield 17 minutes in.
Dominik Szoboszlai equalised shortly before half-time after a tidy backheel nutmeg by Barcelona loanee Ronald Araujo, while Alexis Mac Allister did his talking on the pitch after lamenting how “very sad” it made him that Liverpool did not offer him a new deal over the summer.
The Argentine curled a beautiful finish home from 25 minutes out shortly after the restart as the Reds came from behind to lead for the first time, minutes after Bradley Barcola – making his first start for the club – missed a glorious chance by skimming wide.
The Frenchman limped off 60 minutes into his full debut after appearing to injure his calf and Iraola took no risks with his £123m summer signing, although the manager later said it was due to cramp.
Follow all of the latest from the clash with our live blog below:
Mac Allister winner answers contract questions but worrying Liverpool trend emerges
The Reds began their quest for a seventh European title with a comeback win over Diego Simeone’s side but this was a frenetic and flawed performance, writes Richard Jolly from Anfield:
Goalscorer Alexis Mac Allister tells TNT Sports:
“Before the game we spoke about the beginning of the first half and second half. I liked the mentality. I think we showed desire today. We got the fans behind us and that’s really important when you play at Anfield. A positive step for us.”
The million-dollar question, will his goal improve his chances of a new contract? The reply is diplomatic: “I don’t know – we will see.”
Goalscorer Alexis Mac Allister tells TNT Sports:
It was a good comeback. I think the first half was really good. We conceded a goal because we were not ready, and we did not defend well, other than it was a good first half.
“The beginning of the second half was really good. Overall, it was a good performance. Now we have to think about the next one.”
Andoni Iraola tells TNT Sports:
“I loved it – the atmosphere has been incredible and I feel lucky to experience it. I think I have to take blame from the beginning because they surprised me a little bit tactically they played a five at the back – a 5-3-2.
“We expected something different and waited to correct it. After half-time, we had a much better game, we pressed better, and I think we have been a better team.”
Andoni Iraola tells TNT Sports:
“I was enjoying it. They’re a very good team. Technically, in the middle, lovely players. It is not easy to press those players as they have quality.
“They have been playing together forever. We find another comeback after Forest, after Newcastle. We still have this thing to improve in the beginning of the games, but I am happy as we have shown some character.
“This is the Champions League, you don’t have easy games.”
Andoni Iraola confirms precautionary Barcola substitution
“It was just cramps, especially with Bradley [Barcola]. We are rushing him but we decided today to ask him to give everything he had.”
Andoni Iraola tells TNT Sports:
“Difficult to ask for more. We showed character. I loved the second half. I feel lucky to experience this atmosphere. I have to take the blame [for first half]. Tactically they surprised me. Difficult to change it live. After the break we pressed better and were the better team.”
Dominik Szoboszlai tells TNT Sports:
“Very happy to be back. These nights are always special. After a setback, we came back in a good game.
“Happy for the result, happy to score my goal finally again. It was ups and downs all the time – they have a good team. I think we have a good team as well. We gave everything that we had.”
“I love playing every competition, especially with the jersey on me. I hope we keep on going, and we can do something special this year.”
FULL-TIME: Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
All’s well that ends well for Liverpool. Atleti were better in the first half but Liverpool were deserving winners by the end. What a winner from Mac Allister.
