Andoni Iraola’s debut as a UEFA Champions League manager ended in a hard-fought victory as Liverpool rallied from behind to defeat Atlético Madrid 2-1 at Anfield. The result preserves the Reds’ unbeaten record in European Cup and Champions League opening fixtures on home soil (W11, D2) and marks their 18th win in the last 19 home matches during the group/league phase.
A record-breaking crowd at Anfield witnessed a quick start from the hosts, with Alexander Isak dragging an effort wide seconds after the opening whistle. However, Atlético Madrid capitalized on Liverpool’s high defensive line in the 17th minute. Julián Alvarez threaded a precise pass through to Marcos Llorente, who lifted a side-foot finish over Alisson Becker to silence the home crowd. The strike marked Llorente’s fifth career Champions League goal at Anfield. Alisson was called into action shortly after, using a strong palm to deny Alvarez on a fast breakaway and prevent Los Colchoneros from doubling their lead.
Liverpool stabilized and began building pressure as the half progressed. In the 40th minute, Bradley Barcola forced a save from Jan Oblak. Atlético failed to clear the secondary ball, allowing Ronald Araújo to flick a pass into the path of Dominik Szoboszlai, who stroked home the equalizer into the bottom corner.
The momentum carried into the second half. Just minutes after Barcola swept a one-on-one chance wide, Alexis Mac Allister seized on a loose ball on the edge of the penalty box in the 50th minute, rifling a strike past Oblak to put the hosts ahead.
Result: Liverpool 2–1 Atlético Madrid
Goalscorers: Dominik Szoboszlai (40′), Alexis Mac Allister (50′) | Marcos Llorente (17′)
Atlético Setback: Diego Simeone’s side has now failed to keep a clean sheet in 17 of their last 18 Champions League matches and has lost consecutive UCL openers for the first time this century.
Control to the End: Substitute Jeremie Frimpong had a late goal ruled out for offside, but Liverpool held firm defensively through five minutes of stoppage time to secure all three points.
