Liverpool began their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday, recovering from an early deficit to claim all three points.
The Spanish side looked dangerous in the opening stages and were rewarded for their pressure in the 17th minute when Marcos Llorente put them ahead.
Julian Alvarez created the opening, threading a pass through the middle for Llorente, who escaped Milos Kerkez before lifting a left-footed effort over Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and into the net.
Atletico continued to threaten, with Alvarez coming close to doubling the advantage in the 27th minute. His effort, however, was kept out by an important save from Alisson.
Liverpool struggled to generate clear-cut opportunities during the first half but gradually grew into the contest and drew level five minutes before the interval.
Kerkez helped launch the attack before Bradley Barcola’s attempt was stopped by Jan Oblak. Liverpool retained possession inside the Atletico penalty area, allowing Ronald Araujo to flick the ball towards Dominik Szoboszlai.
The Hungary international brought the ball under control before calmly placing a right-footed shot into the bottom-left corner to make it 1-1.
Liverpool returned from the break with greater urgency and completed the turnaround just five minutes into the second half.
Alexander Isak inadvertently directed the ball into the path of Alexis Mac Allister inside the Atletico box. The Argentine midfielder reacted quickly, striking a left-footed effort from the edge of the area beyond Oblak and into the bottom-left corner.
The goal marked Mac Allister’s 20th for Liverpool.
Atletico refused to surrender and Alvarez had another opportunity near the edge of the Liverpool penalty area, but his shot went straight at Alisson.
Liverpool then threatened to extend their advantage when Isak fired from around 10 yards. Atletico substitute Robin Le Normand produced a crucial block to prevent the third goal.
The visitors pushed forward in search of an equaliser during the closing stages, but Liverpool’s defence held firm. Hancko headed over from a tight angle after an Atletico corner, while Oblak denied Munoz in the 89th minute.
Liverpool thought they had added a third shortly afterwards when Frimpong converted from close range, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Despite Atletico’s late pressure, Liverpool saw out the contest to secure a winning start to their Champions League campaign.
