Alexis Mac Allister scored a superb winner as Liverpool began their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield.
Atletico took the lead through Marcos Llorente, but Dominik Szoboszlai equalised before Mac Allister struck from outside the box to secure a first home victory for manager Andoni Iraola and his first Champions League win in charge.
“Difficult to ask for more. I think we have shown big character, especially the players after a difficult start,” Iraola said after the match, as he hailed his team for fighting back from a goal down.
“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.”
Mac Allister had been the focus of attention before the match after revealing he was “sad” Liverpool did not offer him a new contract during the off-season.
The Argentina international responded in the best possible fashion with a superb left-footed finish that left Jan Oblak with no chance.
Atletico went ahead when Llorente was allowed too much space by Milos Kerkez and met Julian Alvarez’s pass before finishing past Alisson.
Alisson then denied Alvarez from distance before Liverpool equalised shortly before half-time. Kerkez won possession brilliantly and Ronald Araujo’s clever back-heel set up Szoboszlai, who finished confidently to make it 1-1.
Liverpool started the second half strongly, with Bradley Barcola firing wide before Mac Allister pounced on a loose ball moments later to rifle a left-footed winner into the Kop.
Barcola was forced off shortly afterwards with cramp, but Liverpool managed the remainder of the game to secure three valuable points.
Liverpool’s next Champions League fixture is away to LASK on 14 October.
