Liverpool began their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday night, recovering from an early setback to secure three valuable points in their opening league-phase fixture.
The Reds fell behind in the 17th minute when Marcos Llorente continued his remarkable scoring record against Liverpool, but Dominik Szoboszlai restored parity before half-time before Alexis Mac Allister produced a superb strike early in the second half to complete the turnaround.
The result also gave Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola a winning start in his first Champions League match in charge, although the victory was far from straightforward against a disciplined Atletico side managed by Diego Simeone.
Liverpool started brightly and could have taken the lead inside the opening minute. Szoboszlai won possession and immediately released Alexander Isak, who found himself with space inside the Atletico penalty area. The Swedish striker, however, pulled his effort wide of Jan Oblak’s far post.
Bradley Barcola also threatened from the right as Liverpool looked to use their pace to stretch the Spanish defence. His effort from a tight angle was saved by Oblak, who would remain one of Atletico’s most important players throughout the night.
Despite Liverpool’s promising start, Atletico gradually settled into the contest and began finding gaps in the home side’s defensive structure.
The breakthrough arrived in the 17th minute. Julian Alvarez spotted the run of Llorente and delivered a perfectly weighted pass behind Liverpool’s defence. Milos Kerkez’s positioning kept the Atletico wing-back onside, allowing Llorente to race through before calmly lifting his finish beyond Alisson Becker.
It was another memorable goal for Llorente at Anfield. The Atletico midfielder has developed a remarkable habit of scoring against Liverpool, and this was his fifth goal at the stadium.
Liverpool immediately looked for a response, but Atletico remained dangerous. Alvarez almost doubled the advantage when he was allowed space around 30 yards from goal, forcing Alisson into an excellent fingertip save to keep Liverpool within touching distance.
The hosts eventually found their equaliser in the 40th minute, with Szoboszlai producing the finishing touch after a clever piece of play involving Ronald Araújo.
Milos Kerkez won possession and moved the ball forward before Bradley Barcola tested Oblak. The goalkeeper made the initial save, but Liverpool kept the pressure alive. Araújo then produced an outstanding backheel inside the penalty area, setting up Szoboszlai, who reacted quickly to fire a first-time effort into the far corner.
The goal sent Anfield into celebration and gave Liverpool renewed confidence heading into the interval.
Liverpool continued to push immediately after the restart and almost took the lead when Florian Wirtz released Barcola behind the Atletico defence. The French winger had time to pick his spot but dragged his effort narrowly wide.
The decisive moment arrived in the 50th minute.
Rio Ngumoha broke forward and his delivery into the penalty area took a deflection before falling kindly for Mac Allister. The Argentina international controlled the situation brilliantly before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike from around 20 yards.
Mac Allister’s effort flew beyond Oblak and into the net, giving Liverpool a 2-1 lead and completing the comeback.
The goal was particularly significant for Mac Allister, who has reportedly been frustrated by Liverpool’s hesitation over a new contract. He responded in the best possible fashion, producing the decisive moment on one of Europe’s biggest nights.
Atletico attempted to respond after falling behind, with Simeone introducing fresh attacking options, including Ademola Lookman and Jonathan David. The visitors, however, struggled to create the kind of clear opportunities they had produced before half-time.
Liverpool also suffered a setback when Barcola was forced off after appearing to pick up an injury. Jeremie Frimpong replaced him as Iraola looked to protect Liverpool’s advantage.
The closing stages became tense as Atletico searched for an equaliser, but Liverpool’s pressing and defensive organisation prevented Simeone’s side from producing a sustained late assault.
Alisson remained alert when needed, while Virgil van Dijk and his defensive partners dealt with Atletico’s final attempts to find a way back into the game.
The final whistle confirmed a valuable 2-1 victory for Liverpool, who had shown character to recover from Llorente’s early strike and turn the match in their favour.
For Iraola, it was an encouraging Champions League debut. Liverpool were not at their best throughout the contest, but their ability to respond under pressure was perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the performance.
Szoboszlai’s equaliser changed the mood at Anfield, while Mac Allister’s brilliant strike ultimately decided a contest that Atletico had threatened to control.
Liverpool now take three points from their opening Champions League fixture, while Atletico Madrid leave England knowing they had surrendered a lead that could have produced a valuable result.
