Mac Allister Completes Liverpool Comeback Over Atletico Madrid
Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister struck either side of half-time as Andoni Iraola's Liverpool came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at Anfield.
Llorente Strikes Again At Anfield, But Liverpool Respond
Marcos Llorente gave Atletico Madrid an early lead at Anfield, converting in the 17th minute to continue a personal habit of scoring at the ground: he had already netted twice there during Atletico's extra-time win in the 2019-20 Champions League last 16, then added another brace on a return visit last season. Liverpool responded despite seeing less of the ball than their visitors, and drew level right before the break when Dominik Szoboszlai finished in the 40th minute.
Mac Allister Turns It Around Early In The Second Half
Five minutes into the second half, Alexis Mac Allister put Liverpool ahead for the first time, completing the turnaround at 2-1. The goal changed the shape of the contest. Atletico, who had controlled possession for long spells, now had to push men forward themselves rather than sit in behind Llorente's opener, and Liverpool held on to collect their first three points of the campaign in Andoni Iraola's first Champions League match in charge of the club.
Shot Count Tells A Different Story To Possession
Atletico finished with more of the ball, 55 percent possession to Liverpool's 45, and a slightly higher pass completion rate, but Liverpool more than doubled their opponents' shot tally, 16 to 8, and had seven efforts on target compared with four for the visitors. Liverpool also handed a first start to summer signing Bradley Barcola, who lined up alongside Rio Ngumoha and Alexander Isak in a front line that also featured Florian Wirtz. Atletico arrived at Anfield off the back of a 3-0 defeat at Athletic Club in LaLiga, leaving Diego Simeone's side with an immediate setback to address before a run of fixtures against Manchester United, Stuttgart and Bayern Munich.
Photo: X-@Anpic4k