Liverpool rally past Atletico Madrid in Champions League opener
Liverpool opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Atletico Madrid at Anfield, recovering from an early Marcos Llorente goal to take all three points.
Quick facts
- Atletico Madrid led through Llorente in the 17th minute.
- Dominik Szoboszlai equalised five minutes before half-time.
- Ronald Araujo provided the assist for Liverpool’s leveller.
- Alexis Mac Allister struck the winner five minutes into the second half.
- Liverpool host Fulham next, while Atletico visit Real Sociedad.
Atletico made the sharper start and silenced the home crowd when Llorente put the visitors ahead after 17 minutes. Los Rojiblancos had the early control, but Liverpool steadily forced their way back into the contest.
The equaliser arrived shortly before the interval. Szoboszlai finished after Araujo created the opening, sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.
Liverpool carried that momentum into the second half and completed the turnaround within five minutes of the restart. Mac Allister unleashed a firm effort from outside the box to put the hosts in front for the first time.
The Reds then saw out the closing stages without allowing Atletico a route back into the game. It was a winning European start for Andoni Iraola’s side after an initially difficult night at Anfield.
What happens next: Liverpool return to Premier League action at home to Fulham this weekend. Atletico will seek a response in La Liga when they travel to Real Sociedad.
