Liverpool have made a winning start to their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign after coming from behind to defeat Atlético Madrid 2-1 at Anfield.

The Reds fell behind in the first half but responded strongly, with goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister completing the comeback. The result gives new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola an important victory in his first Champions League match in charge of the club.

The victory was also significant because Atlético Madrid arrived at Anfield with plenty of experience at the highest level of European football. Liverpool, however, showed the character and attacking quality required to recover from an early setback.

Liverpool Fall Behind at Anfield

Liverpool started the match with plenty of attacking intent but were punished when Atlético Madrid took the lead through Marcos Llorente.

The Spanish midfielder opened the scoring after a move involving Julián Álvarez, giving Atlético a valuable advantage at Anfield. Liverpool had to respond quickly, and the home side gradually began to regain control of the contest.

Iraola admitted after the match that Liverpool’s slow start was partly down to Atlético using a tactical structure they had not previously shown during the season. The Liverpool manager accepted responsibility for his team’s difficulty in matching up with Atlético during the opening stages.

However, the Reds did not panic.

Szoboszlai Brings Liverpool Level

Liverpool eventually found their breakthrough before half-time.

Dominik Szoboszlai produced the equaliser after Ronald Araújo created the opportunity with an excellent backheel. The move demonstrated Liverpool’s attacking quality and gave the home supporters renewed belief.

The equaliser arrived at a crucial moment because Atlético had managed to frustrate Liverpool after taking the lead.

With the score level at the interval, Liverpool entered the second half with momentum on their side.

Mac Allister Completes the Comeback

Alexis Mac Allister then produced the decisive moment shortly after half-time.

The Argentine midfielder received the ball after Rio Ngumoha’s work helped create the opening and unleashed a powerful effort from around 20 yards. His strike flew inside the left post, giving goalkeeper Jan Oblak little chance.

It was a superb finish and an important response from Mac Allister, who had been the subject of considerable discussion before the match because of his contract situation.

Mac Allister recently revealed his disappointment that Liverpool had not offered him a new contract, despite teammates Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch receiving extensions. The midfielder nevertheless insisted that he remained committed to giving his best for Liverpool.

His performance against Atlético provided the perfect answer on the pitch.

After scoring the winning goal, Mac Allister said Liverpool had shown their mentality and desire and highlighted the importance of getting the supporters behind the team at Anfield.

Araújo Makes an Impression

Another player attracting attention was Ronald Araújo.

The Barcelona loanee started at right-back and played a key role in Liverpool’s comeback, providing the clever assist for Szoboszlai’s equaliser.

Araújo’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively could make him an important player for Iraola as the season progresses.

His performance has also generated speculation about Liverpool potentially making his move permanent. Reports indicate that Liverpool have an option to buy the Uruguay international for around €55 million.

For now, however, the focus remains on his performances on the pitch.

Bradley Barcola Makes His Mark

New signing Bradley Barcola also made his first Liverpool start against Atlético Madrid.

The France international showed flashes of his pace and attacking ability and came close to scoring after the interval. He was eventually replaced after signalling that he needed to come off.

Liverpool’s official match report confirmed that Cody Gakpo missed the game because of a minor adductor issue, while Barcola was substituted during the second half.

The arrival of attacking players such as Barcola adds another dimension to Liverpool’s squad and gives Iraola more options as he balances Premier League and Champions League football.

Liverpool Now Turn Their Attention to Fulham

Liverpool cannot afford to spend too long celebrating the Champions League victory.

The Reds return to Premier League action on Saturday, September 12, when they host Fulham at Anfield. The match is scheduled for a 3:00pm kick-off.

The Fulham fixture will provide another test of Liverpool’s squad depth, particularly after a demanding European match.

Liverpool will also face Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on September 15 before travelling to Bournemouth on September 20.

A Positive Start for Iraola

The victory over Atlético Madrid represents an encouraging beginning to Liverpool’s European campaign under Andoni Iraola.

The manager has already shown that he wants his team to play with intensity, aggression and attacking ambition. There were moments of vulnerability against Atlético, particularly when the visitors scored, but Liverpool’s response was impressive.

The most encouraging aspect was the team’s mentality. After falling behind, Liverpool remained committed to their attacking approach and eventually turned the match around.

With Mac Allister finding the net, Szoboszlai continuing to influence games and players such as Araújo and Barcola settling into the squad, there are plenty of reasons for Liverpool supporters to be optimistic.

The Champions League journey has started with three points. Now, the challenge is to maintain that momentum in the Premier League.

For Liverpool, the message from Anfield is clear: the Reds are ready for another big European campaign.