Liverpool fight back to beat Atletico Madrid in Champions League opener

Andoni Iraola marked his first UEFA Champions League match as a manager with a victory as Liverpool came from behind to defeat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at Anfield.

The result extended Liverpool’s remarkable home record in their opening European Cup or Champions League fixture, with the Reds now unbeaten in 13 such matches on home soil, recording 11 wins and two draws.

A record-breaking crowd at Anfield was treated to an entertaining start, with the two sides meeting in the Champions League opener for the second consecutive time. Alexander Isak threatened within seconds of kick-off but dragged his effort wide.

The game remained open during the opening 15 minutes before Atletico Madrid stunned the home supporters by taking the lead.

Julian Alvarez produced a clever pass to release Marcos Llorente, who lifted a composed side-footed finish over Alisson Becker to score his fifth Champions League goal at Anfield.

Liverpool’s aggressive defensive line was causing problems, and Atletico soon found space behind it again. Alisson was forced into an excellent save to deny Alvarez from doubling the visitors’ advantage after a dangerous counter-attack.

Despite some defensive uncertainty, Liverpool continued to pose a threat going forward.

Florian Wirtz tested Jan Oblak with a close-range half-volley, although the effort came during an offside move. It was nevertheless a warning for the visitors, who soon found themselves under increasing pressure.

Bradley Barcola went close when his low shot was well saved by Oblak, but Atletico could not clear the danger.

The pressure eventually paid off.

Ronald Araujo produced a neat flick to send the ball into the path of Dominik Szoboszlai, who calmly stroked his finish beyond Oblak to level the match before half-time.

The goal highlighted another defensive problem for Atletico, who had now failed to keep a clean sheet in 17 of their previous 18 Champions League matches.

Liverpool Turn the Game Around

Atletico had an opportunity to regain the lead shortly after the restart.

Barcola found himself through one-on-one with Oblak, but he dragged his effort wide with the goal seemingly at his mercy.

Liverpool immediately punished the miss.

The ball fell kindly for Alexis Mac Allister on the edge of the penalty area, and the midfielder made no mistake, firing a powerful finish into the net to complete Liverpool’s comeback.

The frantic pace of the first half gradually disappeared as the match progressed, with Liverpool becoming increasingly comfortable after taking the lead.

Atletico Madrid pushed forward in search of a late equaliser, but Liverpool’s defence held firm.

There was a late scare when substitute Jeremie Frimpong appeared to add a third, only for the goal to be ruled out.

The Reds ultimately held on to secure three valuable points.

For Diego Simeone, his 14th consecutive Champions League campaign in charge of Atletico has started disappointingly. Following last season’s 3-2 defeat at Anfield, the Madrid club have now lost consecutive Champions League opening fixtures for the first time this century, having previously recorded seven wins and five draws alongside four defeats.

For Liverpool and Iraola, however, it was another memorable night at Anfield.

The victory was their 18th in their last 19 European group or league-phase matches at home, with just one defeat during that run.

Liverpool had fallen behind, but they responded in style — and their Champions League campaign has begun with a comeback victory.