Alexis Mac Allister produced the decisive moment as Liverpool came from behind to defeat Atlético Madrid 2–1 at Anfield and open their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign with victory.
Marcos Llorente gave Atlético an early lead, but Dominik Szoboszlai restored parity before half-time and Mac Allister completed the turnaround five minutes after the restart with a superb 20-yard strike.
The victory marked an impressive start to Andoni Iraola’s Champions League tenure as Liverpool head coach and continued the Reds’ strong record against Atlético at Anfield. UEFA confirmed Liverpool’s comeback in its Matchday 1 review, with Szoboszlai and Mac Allister providing the goals after Llorente had put the visitors ahead.
Atlético made the more assertive start and their approach immediately caused Liverpool problems. Diego Simeone’s decision to deploy a 3-5-2 system appeared to surprise the home side, allowing the visitors to exploit spaces behind Liverpool’s defensive line. The breakthrough came in the 17th minute.
Julián Álvarez threaded an excellent pass behind the Liverpool defence and Llorente raced through before calmly lifting his finish beyond Alisson Becker.
It was another memorable moment for Llorente at Anfield. The Atlético midfielder has now scored five Champions League goals at the stadium, accounting for half of his total in the competition. Liverpool gradually recovered from the setback and began to impose themselves before the interval.
Dominik Szoboszlai went close before finally finding the equaliser in the 40th minute. After Milos Kerkez won possession and Bradley Barcola’s effort was saved by Jan Oblak, Florian Wirtz kept the move alive before Ronald Araújo produced a clever flick into Szoboszlai’s path.
The Hungary international made no mistake, firing into the far corner to send Liverpool into half-time level. Liverpool returned from the interval with considerably greater intensity and completed the comeback in the 50th minute. Teenager Rio Ngumoha created the opening, beating Llorente before his cross eventually reached Mac Allister following a deflection off Alexander Isak.
The Argentine midfielder signalled for Szoboszlai to leave the ball and then unleashed a powerful left-footed drive from around 20 yards that flew beyond Oblak. It was a goal of considerable significance for Mac Allister, who had entered the match amid uncertainty surrounding his Liverpool future.
The World Cup winner had previously expressed disappointment that Liverpool had not offered him a new contract while teammates Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch had received new deals. Before the match, Mac Allister had nevertheless promised to give his all for Liverpool until the final day of his time at the club. His response at Anfield was emphatic.
Liverpool had opportunities to extend their advantage, with Barcola particularly unfortunate after being played through by Wirtz early in the second half. The French winger pulled his effort wide of Oblak’s goal.
Atlético remained dangerous and introduced Ademola Lookman as Simeone searched for a route back into the contest, but Liverpool’s defence resisted the late pressure to secure all three points.
Iraola Takes Responsibility for Liverpool’s Slow Start
For Iraola, the victory represented an encouraging beginning to his Champions League career, but the Liverpool manager admitted that his team had been caught off guard during the opening stages.
“I have to blame myself a bit for the start of the game,” Iraola said after the match, acknowledging that Atlético had surprised Liverpool with their tactical approach.
He explained that Simeone’s side had not frequently used the system during the season and that Liverpool needed time to adjust. Once they did, however, Iraola felt his players took control.
“In the second half we were the best team,” he said, adding that Liverpool’s ability to come from behind for the third time this season demonstrated the character within the squad.
The victory also provided an encouraging early indication of the direction Liverpool can take under their new manager.
Iraola’s first Champions League match came against one of Europe’s most tactically demanding sides, and Liverpool showed the resilience required to recover from an uncomfortable opening before taking control of the contest.
For Atlético, the defeat extended a difficult sequence against English opposition in the Champions League league phase, while Liverpool moved onto three points ahead of their remaining fixtures.
Liverpool’s next Champions League assignment will come away to LASK on October 14, before they host Villarreal six days later. Atlético, meanwhile, will return to action in the competition against Manchester United on October 13.
Ultimately, Liverpool’s comeback was built on the quality of Szoboszlai and Mac Allister, but it was the response to adversity that will have pleased Iraola most. Mac Allister’s spectacular strike completed the turnaround — and ensured Liverpool began their latest European campaign with a statement victory at Anfield.