Liverpool fought back from an early setback to secure a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in their Champions League league-phase opener at Anfield on Wednesday.
Atletico took the lead in the 17th minute when Marcos Llorente finished over Alisson after Julian Alvarez had released him with a well-weighted pass.
The Spanish side had started strongly, with Alvarez also testing the Liverpool goalkeeper before the half-hour mark.
Liverpool struggled to create clear chances after falling behind but eventually restored parity five minutes before the interval.
Jan Oblak kept out an effort from Bradley Barcola, but the hosts retained possession in the area before Ronald Araujo’s flick found Dominik Szoboszlai, who calmly fired into the bottom-left corner.
The hosts began the second half with greater intensity and completed the turnaround in the 50th minute.
Alexander Isak inadvertently helped the ball into the path of Alexis Mac Allister, who made no mistake from the edge of the box, sending a low left-footed strike beyond Oblak.
The goal was Mac Allister’s 20th for Liverpool and gave the Reds a lead they would protect despite Atletico’s attempts to respond.
Alvarez had an opportunity to level the contest but could only direct a tame effort straight at Alisson.
Liverpool nearly added a third when Isak found space inside the box, but substitute Robin Le Normand threw himself in front of the effort to prevent a further goal.
Atletico continued pressing late on, with Hancko heading over from a tight angle.
There was further drama in the closing minutes when Oblak denied Munoz in the 89th minute before Jeremie Frimpong appeared to score from close range.
However, the effort ruled out for offside as Liverpool held on to begin their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 comeback win.
