Liverpool opened their Champions League campaign under Andoni Iraola with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback win over Atlético Madrid at Anfield.
Atlético took the lead in the first half through Marcos Llorente, who continued his strong scoring record at this ground. Liverpool equalised just before the interval when Ronald Araujo’s clever touch found Dominik Szoboszlai in the box, and the Hungarian finished clinically past Jan Oblak.
The second half remained tight until Alexis Mac Allister produced a powerful left-footed strike to put the Reds ahead and secure all three points.
Spanish Press Unimpressed
Despite the victory, sections of the Spanish media were far from impressed with Liverpool’s performance.
Marca argued that the current Liverpool side looks considerably less intimidating than the teams that have dominated recent European campaigns. The paper suggested Atlético had chances to control the game but ultimately surrendered their advantage. It also claimed Liverpool’s equaliser owed more to Atlético’s own errors than to sustained pressure or superior play from Iraola’s side. As the match wore on, Atlético grew increasingly disorganised — a factor that ultimately worked in Liverpool’s favour.
Physical Accusations Levelled at Szoboszlai
Liverpool’s physical approach also drew sharp criticism. Mundo Deportivo columnist Walter Zimmermann accused the Reds of being overly aggressive towards Atlético midfielder Lee Kang-in, citing challenges from Alexis Mac Allister and Virgil van Dijk. He went further, alleging that Szoboszlai struck Lee in the face after an earlier challenge.
Liverpool now turn their attention to their next Champions League fixture: a trip to Austria to face LASK. Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, will host Manchester United at the Metropolitano.
