Alexis Mac Allister responded to his frustration over Liverpool’s failure to offer him a new contract by scoring the decisive goal as the Reds came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in their Champions League opener on Wednesday.
Mac Allister had expressed his disappointment over his contract situation on the eve of the match, but produced the perfect response on the pitch, firing home from the edge of the box to complete Liverpool’s comeback at Anfield.
Marcos Llorente had put Atletico ahead early in the game before Dominik Szoboszlai equalised shortly before half-time, setting up a second-half battle that Liverpool eventually won through Mac Allister’s strike.
The victory also gave Andoni Iraola a winning start in his first Champions League match as Liverpool manager, although the night ended with concern over an injury to new signing Bradley Barcola.
Barcola made his Anfield debut alongside Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, as Liverpool fielded three attackers who each cost more than £100 million.
Liverpool started with attacking intent, with Isak firing narrowly wide after a strong run from Szoboszlai.
However, the hosts’ aggressive approach left gaps at the back, allowing Atletico to threaten on the counter.
Julian Alvarez, making his first start of the season amid continued speculation about his future, helped create the opening goal. He split the Liverpool defence with a well-timed pass for Llorente, who raced through and finished to give Atletico the lead.
It was Llorente’s fifth goal in three visits to Anfield for Atletico. The midfielder had previously named his dog Anfield after scoring twice in the Spanish side’s Champions League victory over Liverpool in 2020.
Liverpool responded with increasing pressure, while Alisson Becker kept his side in the game by producing an excellent save to deny Alvarez from distance.
Barcola twice came close to scoring on his debut. He was first denied by Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak after going one-on-one before firing wide from another promising opportunity created by Wirtz.
The equaliser finally arrived in the 40th minute when Ronald Araujo’s flick fell into the path of Szoboszlai, who calmly placed his effort into the bottom corner.
Liverpool continued to press after the break, and Mac Allister soon produced the moment that changed the game.
The Argentine midfielder, who had been linked with Atletico during the transfer window, collected the ball outside the penalty area and unleashed a powerful shot with his weaker left foot.
The effort flew into the net, sparking wild celebrations from Mac Allister in front of the Kop as Liverpool moved 2-1 ahead.
The goal carried extra significance given the midfielder’s recent comments about his contract situation. While Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have agreed new deals with Liverpool, Mac Allister remains without the improved contract he wants.
Liverpool’s celebrations were briefly overshadowed when Barcola pulled up clutching his calf before the hour mark. Iraola will now hope the injury is not serious.
Atletico struggled to find a way back into the contest, with Alvarez firing straight at Alisson when presented with one of the visitors’ few clear chances in the second half.
Liverpool nearly added a third when Isak was denied by a last-ditch challenge from Robin Le Normand.
The Reds ultimately held on for a 2-1 victory, giving Iraola a statement win on his Champions League debut and Liverpool an important opening victory.
For Mac Allister, it was a night when contract frustration was replaced by a decisive performance, with his winner giving Liverpool all three points.