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Liverpool defeats Atlético Madrid 2-1 in Champions League opener

3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 9:09 PM

Last updated Sep 9, 2026

Liverpool defeats Atlético Madrid 2-1 in Champions League opener

Summary

Liverpool secured a 2-1 victory over Atlético Madrid at Anfield in their Champions League campaign opener on Wednesday. After falling behind to an early goal from Marcos Llorente, the hosts responded through a Dominik Szoboszlai equalizer before halftime. Alexis Mac Allister, who recently expressed dissatisfaction regarding his contract status, scored the deciding goal with a long-range strike. The match saw the full debut of Bradley Barcola, though the forward was forced off the pitch with a calf injury during the second half. This result marks the first European win for Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola. Despite the defeat, Diego Simeone’s side remains active in the competition as they look to build upon last season's run to the semi-finals.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports The Guardian Sport

Status Watch

•Liverpool defeated Atlético Madrid 2-1 at Anfield.
•Marcos Llorente scored the opening goal for the visitors.
•Dominik Szoboszlai equalized for Liverpool before halftime.
•Alexis Mac Allister provided the match-winning goal.
•Bradley Barcola left the game with a calf injury.

Latest Updates

9:09 PMYahoo Sports — Mac Allister winner answers contract questions but worrying Liverpool trend emerges
9:04 PMYahoo Sports — Mac Allister caps Liverpool comeback to beat Atletico Madrid
9:04 PMThe Guardian Sport — Mac Allister makes his point as Liverpool fight back to defeat Atlético

What they're saying

"
It was the time and place for Alexis Mac Allister to do his talking on the pitch and the disgruntled Liverpool midfielder did not disappoint. “Very sad” over Liverpool’s refusal to offer him a contract extension, while Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch were getting theirs, Mac Allister made Anfield very happy with a match-winning display against Atlético Madrid. The Argentina international, one of five World Cup finalists involved in a finely-poised, absorbing contest, vented his frustration in the best possible way with an immaculate 20-yard strike that extended Diego Simeone’s winless sequence against English opposition in the Champions League group phase to 11 matches. Mac Allister’s moment also gave Andoni Iraola the perfect start to life in the Champions League, and there were several contributions for the Liverpool head coach to savour. From Alexander Isak’s relentless pressing to Florian Wirtz’s consistent creativity, Liverpool rose to one of their toughest tests of the competition. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Andy Hunter at Anfield

"
Alexis Mac Allister did his case for an improved Liverpool contract no harm with the winner as Andoni Iraola got off to a winning Champions League start by beating Atletico Madrid 2-1 on Wednesday.Mac Allister had been linked with a move to Atletico during the transfer window and expressed his sadness at not being offered a new contract by Liverpool, while Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have agreed new deals in recent months.
— Yahoo Sports