UCL: Liverpool fight back to beat Atletico Madrid at Anfield
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineLiverpool came from behind to defeat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at Anfield on Wednesday, maintaining their unbeaten record in opening European Cup or Champions League home fixtures.
Atletico made the brighter start and took the lead when Julián Alvarez found Marcos Llorente, who lifted a side-footed finish over Alisson Becker for his fifth Champions League goal at Anfield.
Liverpool’s high defensive line was exposed again soon after, with Alisson producing a strong save to deny Alvarez from doubling the visitors’ advantage.
The Reds gradually grew into the contest and began creating chances, with Florian Wirtz testing Jan Oblak with a close-range half-volley before Bradley Barcola also forced a save from the Atletico goalkeeper.
Liverpool eventually drew level before the break when Ronald Araújo flicked the ball into the path of Dominik Szoboszlai, who calmly finished to make it 1-1.
Atletico had failed to keep a clean sheet in 17 of their previous 18 Champions League matches and were again punished after the interval.
Barcola missed a one-on-one opportunity against Oblak, and Liverpool quickly capitalised as Alexis Mac Allister collected the ball on the edge of the box and fired home to put the hosts ahead.
The intensity dropped as Liverpool took control of proceedings, while Atletico pushed for an equaliser without finding a way through.
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Substitute Jeremie Frimpong thought he had added a third late on, but his effort was ruled out.
The result means Atletico have lost successive Champions League opening fixtures for the first time this century, while Liverpool have now won 18 of their last 19 European group or league-phase matches at Anfield.
It was also a winning start to Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola’s first Champions League campaign in charge.
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