Liverpool 2-1 Atlético Madrid: Mac Allister completes comeback after Llorente opener | OneFootball

Liverpool came from behind to beat Atlético Madrid 2-1 at Anfield and open their UEFA Champions League campaign with three points.

Atlético Madrid wing-back Marcos Llorente put the visitors ahead in the 17th minute, but Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai equalised shortly before half-time. Alexis Mac Allister then struck five minutes after the restart to turn the game around, and Liverpool resisted sustained late pressure to take the win.

As it happened

Liverpool made the brighter start and Alexander Isak had an opening inside the first minute, but the striker dragged his shot wide after Szoboszlai carried the ball forward from midfield. Atlético soon settled and took the lead in the 17th minute.

Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez slipped a pass through the Liverpool defence for Llorente, who held off Miloš Kerkez before lifting his finish over Alisson Becker. It was Llorente’s fifth career goal at Anfield.

Liverpool needed Alisson to prevent Atlético from extending their advantage when the goalkeeper stretched to keep out Álvarez’s powerful effort in the 27th minute. Jan Oblak then denied Florian Wirtz at the other end, although the move was subsequently ruled offside.

The hosts drew level in the 40th minute. After Bradley Barcola’s first effort was stopped, Liverpool kept the attack alive and Ronald Araújo flicked the ball into Szoboszlai’s path. The Hungarian took a touch before placing a right-footed finish into the bottom-left corner.

Liverpool went ahead five minutes after half-time. The ball struck Isak inside the area and ran towards Mac Allister on the edge of the box, where the midfielder drove a low left-footed shot past Oblak to make it 2-1.

Atlético had more of the ball as the second half developed and pushed Liverpool deeper, but clear chances remained limited. Álvarez sent a tame effort at Alisson, while Dávid Hancko later headed over from Alejandro Grimaldo’s corner.

Liverpool nearly added a third when Isak was denied by Robin Le Normand and Víctor Muñoz later forced another save from Oblak. Jeremie Frimpong converted the loose ball from the latter chance, but the winger was offside. Atlético continued to press until the final minutes, but Liverpool kept their lead to start their European campaign with a 2-1 victory.