Ronald Araujo Inspires Liverpool Comeback Win Over Atletico Madrid
Liverpool opened their Champions League league-phase campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Atletico Madrid at Anfield, with Ronald Araujo setting up the equaliser before Alexis Mac Allister struck the decisive second-half goal.
Araujo, adapting to life at his new club, produced the key touch after Jan Oblak had stopped Bradley Barcola. The Uruguay defender reacted to the loose, bouncing ball and flicked it into Dominik Szoboszlai’s path for a close-range finish.
- Atletico took the lead in the 17th minute through Marcos Llorente.
- Oblak denied Barcola, but Araujo’s improvised backheel created Szoboszlai’s leveller amid a crowded area.
- Mac Allister then scored after the interval to give Andoni Iraola a winning European start as Liverpool manager.
Araujo said his assist owed something to instinct and a favourable bounce. “It was a good chance in the box,” he said. “I was fortunate that it went through between the centre-backs. I’m delighted to have helped the team.”
The centre-back also compared the pressure at Liverpool with his previous experience at Barcelona, insisting he is ready for the demands of an elite club and the expectations at Anfield.
“It is a huge club, like Barca,” Araujo said. “You have to be at your best because expectations are high. I’m happy, working hard and keen to give everything while being myself.”
Liverpool’s disciplined display eventually broke down an organised Atletico side and delivered an important opening three points in the revised Champions League format.
What happens next
Iraola’s side return to domestic action before travelling to Austria for their next Champions League match against LASK.
