Mac Allister Strikes as Liverpool Rally Past Atlético Madrid

Liverpool recovered from an uncertain start to beat Atlético Madrid 2-1 at Anfield, with Alexis Mac Allister scoring the decisive goal in the second half. The Guardian reported that the result gave Andoni Iraola a victory in his first Champions League match as a coach and extended Atlético's winless run against English opponents in the competition's league phase to 11 matches.

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Atlético took the lead after Diego Simeone's switch to a 3-5-2 formation initially unsettled Liverpool. Julián Álvarez played Marcos Llorente behind the home defence, and the wing-back lifted his finish beyond Alisson. Llorente's strike was his fifth Champions League goal at Anfield, having also scored twice there when Atlético eliminated Liverpool in 2020.

The visitors nearly added a second when Álvarez was allowed to shoot from close to 30 yards, but Alisson made a fingertip save. Liverpool then began to exert more control. Florian Wirtz forced Jan Oblak into a save after combining with Bradley Barcola and Alexander Isak, before the hosts levelled late in the first half.

Milos Kerkez regained possession and helped launch the move that led to the equaliser. Oblak stopped Barcola's attempt, but Liverpool maintained the attack, and Ronald Araújo's flick gave Dominik Szoboszlai another opening after he had first been halted near the penalty area. Szoboszlai met the ball first time and sent his shot into the far corner.

Liverpool missed a chance to take the lead early in the second half when Wirtz sent Barcola through, only for the winger to pull his finish wide. One minute later, Rio Ngumoha beat Llorente and delivered a cross that reached Mac Allister following a deflection off Isak. The Argentina midfielder struck left-footed from 20 yards to put Liverpool ahead.

Atlético remained a threat, with substitute Ademola Lookman adding energy to their attack, but Liverpool protected the advantage to complete the comeback. Iraola acknowledged after the game that Atlético's shape had surprised his team, while crediting Liverpool's adjustments and stronger second-half display. The win was Liverpool's third comeback victory of the season, according to the coach.