Alexis Mac Allister struck a superb winner as Liverpool began their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield.
The Argentine midfielder delivered the decisive moment after Dominik Szoboszlai had cancelled out Marcos Llorente’s early opener, handing Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola his first home victory and his first Champions League win in charge of the club.
Mac Allister Answers Critics in Style
Mac Allister had dominated the headlines before the match after revealing during Tuesday’s press conference that he was “sad” Liverpool had not offered him a new contract over the summer.
But the 27-year-old, who remains under contract at Anfield until 2028, responded on the pitch with a stunning left-footed strike from outside the box that gave Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak no chance.
Liverpool remain unbeaten under Iraola after two Premier League draws and a victory, although they have now conceded first in three of their last four matches.
Llorente Strikes Again at Anfield
Atletico took the lead when Milos Kerkez failed to track Llorente, who connected with a Julian Alvarez pass before finishing beyond Alisson.
The goal added to Llorente’s remarkable record at Anfield. After scoring twice against Liverpool in 2020 as Diego Simeone’s Atletico eliminated the Reds from the Champions League, he named his dog “Anfield”.
Five of Llorente’s 10 Champions League goals have now been scored at Liverpool’s Merseyside home.
Alisson was subsequently forced into a good save to deny Alvarez from distance before Liverpool found an equaliser shortly before half-time.
Kerkez did brilliantly to win possession, allowing Ronald Araujo to produce a clever back-heel that set up Szoboszlai, who calmly finished to make it 1-1.
Mac Allister Completes the Comeback
Liverpool created an excellent opportunity shortly after the restart when Bradley Barcola, making his first start for the club since his reported £123 million move from Paris St-Germain, fired wide.
A minute later, Liverpool completed the comeback.
Mac Allister pounced on a loose ball outside the box and unleashed a powerful strike in front of the Kop to put Liverpool 2-1 ahead.
There was a late concern for the Reds when Barcola went down with cramp and was forced off in the 60th minute, but Iraola’s side held firm to secure a valuable three points.
Liverpool will return to Champions League action away to LASK on October 14, looking to build on their winning start to the competition.
