Mac Allister’s stunning strike gives Liverpool Champions League win over Atletico Madrid

Alexis Mac Allister scored a superb late winner as Liverpool came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at Anfield and give manager Andoni Iraola a first home victory and first Champions League win in charge.

Atletico took the lead through Marcos Llorente, but Liverpool recovered before half-time when Dominik Szoboszlai levelled. Mac Allister then settled an entertaining contest with a powerful left-footed finish from outside the penalty area.

The result gave Liverpool three valuable points at the start of their Champions League campaign, while Iraola praised the character shown by his players after they fell behind.

“Difficult to ask for more. I think we have shown big character, especially the players after a difficult start,” Iraola said after the match.

The manager admitted Atletico’s formation had caught Liverpool off guard during the opening stages, with the visitors lining up in a 5-3-2 system.

“I loved it – the atmosphere has been incredible and I feel lucky to experience it. I think I have to take blame from the beginning because they surprised me a little bit tactically they played a five at the back – a 5-3-2. We expected something different and waited to correct it.

“After half-time, we had a much better game, we pressed better, and I think we have been a better team.”

Mac Allister had attracted attention before kick-off after saying he was “sad” that Liverpool had not offered him a new contract during the off-season.

The Argentina international responded emphatically on the pitch. When a loose ball fell to him outside the box, he struck a superb effort with his left foot that gave Jan Oblak no chance and sent the ball into the Kop.

Atletico had gone ahead after Llorente was given too much room by Milos Kerkez. Julian Alvarez found his team-mate with a pass and Llorente finished beyond Alisson.

Alisson kept Liverpool in the game by saving an effort from Alvarez from distance before the hosts equalised shortly before the interval.

Kerkez won possession impressively and Ronald Araujo then produced a clever back-heel to release Szoboszlai. The Hungary international kept his composure to finish and make it 1-1.

Liverpool began the second half with greater intensity. Bradley Barcola fired wide before Mac Allister reacted quickest to another loose ball and sent Liverpool in front with his decisive strike.

Barcola was forced to leave the field soon afterwards because of cramp, but Liverpool controlled the closing stages and protected their lead to secure victory.

The win marked a significant response after Atletico’s early pressure and ensured Iraola’s first Champions League match in charge ended with three points.

Liverpool’s next Champions League fixture will be away to LASK on 14 October.