Mac Allister Screamer Completes Comeback as Liverpool Edge Atletico Madrid 2-1

Alexis Mac Allister scored a stunning second-half winner as Liverpool came from behind to defeat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at Anfield in their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League opener, handing manager Andoni Iraola a victorious European debut.

The visitors shocked the Anfield crowd in the 17th minute when Julian Alvarez unlocked the Liverpool defense with a precise through-ball, allowing Marcos Llorente to coolly dink the ball over the keeper The strike maintained Llorente's incredible record at Anfield, marking his fifth goal in his last three visits to the stadium.

Liverpool responded before the break. In the 40th minute, after intense pressing from Milos Kerkez, Bradley Barcola’s initial effort was saved, but Ronald Araujo scrambled the ball into the path of Dominik Szoboszlai, who slotted home the equalizer following a lengthy VAR check.

The Reds completed the turnaround five minutes into the second half. A cross from teenager Rio Ngumoha fell to Mac Allister on the edge of the box, and the Argentine midfielder unleashed a ferocious left-footed strike into the top corner [211000541.html]. The victory was slightly marred, however, by a second-half calf injury to star signing Bradley Barcola.