Liverpool came from behind to defeat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at Anfield in their Champions League opener on Wednesday night.
Atletico Madrid took the lead in the 17th minute through Marcos Llorente before Liverpool responded with a goal from Dominik Szoboszlai five minutes before half-time.
Alexis Mac Allister then scored five minutes into the second half to complete Liverpool’s comeback.
Atletico started the match strongly and created several dangerous moments. Julian Alvarez came close to scoring in the 27th minute, but Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson made an important save.
The visitors had taken the lead 10 minutes earlier. Alvarez found Llorente with a pass through the middle, and the midfielder got away from Milos Kerkez before lifting a left-footed shot over Alisson and into the net.
Liverpool struggled to create clear chances after falling behind but eventually found an equaliser in the 40th minute.
Kerkez helped start the move before Bradley Barcola’s effort was saved by Jan Oblak. Liverpool kept possession inside the Atletico penalty area, and Ronald Araujo flicked the ball into the path of Szoboszlai.
The Hungary international controlled the ball before sending a right-footed shot into the bottom-left corner to make it 1-1.
Liverpool started the second half strongly and completed the comeback in the 50th minute.
Alexander Isak inadvertently helped the ball into the path of Mac Allister inside the Atletico penalty area. The Argentine midfielder made no mistake as he fired a left-footed shot from the edge of the box past Oblak and into the bottom-left corner.
The goal was Mac Allister’s 20th for Liverpool.
Atletico tried to respond, with Alvarez getting another opportunity near the edge of the box, but his effort went straight at Alisson.
Liverpool came close to adding a third goal when Isak shot from about 10 yards out. However, substitute Robin Le Normand threw himself in front of the ball to make an important block.
Atletico continued to push for an equaliser in the final stages. Hancko headed over the bar from a tight angle following a corner.
There was more drama in the 89th minute when Oblak saved from Munoz.
Liverpool appeared to score a third goal shortly afterwards when Frimpong turned the ball into the net from close range, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Liverpool held on to secure a 2-1 victory and make a winning start to their Champions League campaign.
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