Liverpool have started their Champions League campaign with a huge 2-1 victory over Atlético Madrid at Anfield, coming from behind to claim all three points.
It wasn’t always comfortable.
In fact, Liverpool found themselves behind after just 17 minutes.
But Andoni Iraola’s side showed character, patience and quality to turn the game around, with Dominik Szoboszlai equalising before Alexis Mac Allister produced a brilliant winner shortly after half-time. (The Guardian)
And that makes it two wins in a row for Liverpool.
Atlético strike first
Liverpool started brightly and looked to put Atlético under pressure early on.
But the visitors showed exactly why they are such an experienced Champions League side.
Marcos Llorente opened the scoring in the 17th minute, finding the net after Liverpool were unable to deal with the Atlético attack.
It was another reminder that Liverpool still have defensive vulnerabilities to work on.
But there was no panic.
The Reds continued to play their football and eventually got the reward they deserved.
Szoboszlai brings Liverpool level
Liverpool’s equaliser arrived just before half-time.
And it was another moment that highlighted the importance of Dominik Szoboszlai to this Liverpool side.
Ronald Araújo produced some excellent work to create the opening before Szoboszlai finished calmly to make it 1-1. (Talksport)
That goal completely changed the feeling around Anfield.
Liverpool had gone into the break level after falling behind, and suddenly Atlético were the side under pressure.
Mac Allister with the winner
Then came the moment Liverpool supporters will remember.
Just five minutes into the second half, Alexis Mac Allister smashed Liverpool into the lead.
The Argentine connected brilliantly from outside the box, sending the ball into the corner and giving Jan Oblak absolutely no chance.
Liverpool 2-1 Atlético Madrid.
And what a time for Mac Allister to produce it.
The midfielder has been dealing with uncertainty over his Liverpool future after revealing that he has been disappointed not to receive a new contract offer. Yet on the pitch, he showed exactly why Liverpool value him.
What a response from Liverpool
What I liked most about this Liverpool performance was the reaction to going behind.
There was no panic.
There was no rushing.
The players continued to believe in the way Iraola wants them to play.
And eventually the pressure told.
Liverpool controlled large periods of the second half and Atlético struggled to regain the momentum they had enjoyed earlier in the match.
There were still nervy moments, of course.
This is Atlético Madrid we’re talking about.
But Liverpool defended their advantage and saw the game through.
Barcola’s night ends in concern
There was one major concern for Liverpool.
Bradley Barcola was forced off shortly before the hour mark after appearing to suffer a calf problem.
The £123 million signing had been making his first Liverpool start and had already shown flashes of his quality.
He also went close to putting Liverpool ahead before Mac Allister eventually found the breakthrough.
Hopefully the injury isn’t serious because Liverpool have already invested heavily in Barcola and will want to see him establish himself quickly.
Another step forward for Iraola
This is exactly the sort of victory that can give a new manager belief.
Liverpool have now followed up the win over Ipswich with another victory, and this one came against a much more experienced European opponent.
There are still things to improve.
The defensive structure needs work.
The midfield balance isn’t perfect.
And Liverpool will need to become more consistent over 90 minutes.
But there are signs that Iraola is gradually getting his ideas across.
Liverpool have made a statement
Beating Atlético Madrid isn’t easy.
Doing it after falling behind makes it even more impressive.
Liverpool showed character, quality and the ability to respond when things weren’t going their way.
Szoboszlai got them back into it.
Mac Allister produced the winner.
And Anfield celebrated another big European night.
There is still plenty of work for Iraola and his players to do, but Liverpool have made an excellent start to their Champions League campaign.
Liverpool 2-1 Atlético Madrid.
Three points.
A comeback.
And another sign that this Liverpool team might be starting to find its identity.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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