Alexis Mac Allister struck the winner as Liverpool came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 and give Andoni Iraola a winning start to his Champions League career on Wednesday.
Mac Allister had voiced his frustration over the lack of a new Liverpool contract before the match, but answered on the pitch with a superb second-half strike from outside the area.
Atletico took an early lead through Marcos Llorente before Dominik Szoboszlai brought Liverpool level shortly before half-time.
The home side’s victory was overshadowed by an injury to new signing Bradley Barcola, who was forced off with a calf problem before the hour mark.
Barcola made his Anfield debut alongside Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz in a star-studded Liverpool attack. The trio became part of the first Liverpool side to feature three players signed for more than £100 million.
Liverpool started brightly, with Isak firing narrowly wide after a strong run from Szoboszlai. However, their attacking approach left gaps at the back, and Atletico punished them on the counter.
Julian Alvarez, making his first start of the season, slipped a pass through to Llorente, who raced clear and finished to give the visitors the lead.
Liverpool responded before the break. Barcola was unable to beat Jan Oblak from close range, but the hosts kept the move alive. Ronald Araujo then flicked the ball into Szoboszlai’s path, allowing the midfielder to find the bottom corner in the 40th minute.
Barcola missed another good opportunity early in the second half after being played through by Wirtz, shooting wide when well placed.
Liverpool soon made Atletico pay. Mac Allister, who had been linked with the Spanish club during the transfer window, collected the ball outside the box and drove a left-footed effort into the net before celebrating in front of the Kop.
The midfielder’s goal proved decisive, although Liverpool were unable to finish the game without further concern as Barcola limped off holding his calf.
Atletico created little after the break, with Alvarez firing straight at Alisson Becker in one of their few clear chances. Isak was also denied a late third by a crucial challenge from Robin Le Normand.
The result gave Iraola an important European victory as Liverpool began their Champions League campaign with three points.
