Liverpool began their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Atlético Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday, with Alexis Mac Allister scoring the decisive goal early in the second half to hand new manager Andoni Iraola a winning debut in European competition.
Atlético, the Madrid-based Spanish club known for their defensive resilience and combative style, made a confident start. Julian Álvarez — the Argentine forward who had hoped to leave Atlético for Barcelona in the summer but was refused a transfer — made his first start of the season and repaid his manager's faith almost immediately, threading a sharp pass through to Marcos Llorente, who dinked the ball over Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson in the 17th minute. It was a remarkable fifth goal for Llorente in just three appearances at Anfield, following a brace in a dramatic Champions League last-16 tie in 2020 and two more in a meeting last season.
Liverpool levelled five minutes before half-time through Dominik Szoboszlai, who converted after a clever backheel assist from Ronald Araújo. Five minutes after the restart, Mac Allister settled the contest, hammering a loose ball into the corner with his left foot from outside the penalty area. Atlético pressed for an equaliser and came close through a one-on-one chance that was missed, but could not find a way through a resolute Liverpool defence. A late goal from substitute Jeremie Frimpong — the Dutch international who came off the bench in the second half — was correctly ruled out for offside.
The match was played at a high tempo throughout, with both sides creating chances in what was widely described as an entertaining and demanding encounter. Dutch international Virgil van Dijk started in central defence for Liverpool, while compatriots Cody Gakpo (injured), Ryan Gravenberch, and Frimpong were either absent or used as substitutes, with Gravenberch's reduced role notable given his prominence under previous manager Arne Slot.
For Iraola, a Basque coach who took charge of Liverpool this summer, the result continued a positive early run of form following a Premier League win at Ipswich. "I've loved it. The atmosphere has been incredible and I feel lucky, lucky to experience it," he said after the final whistle. The victory marks a promising European start as Liverpool look to establish themselves as serious contenders in this season's competition.