Mac Allister lifts Liverpool to win over Atleti
Liverpool's unbeaten start to life under Andoni Iraola continued as it began its Champions League campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Atletico Madrid.
Marcos Llorente's scoring streak at Anfield rolled on when he put Atletio in front, only for Dominik Szoboszlai to level things up just before the half-time whistle.
Alexis Mac Allister struck the decisive blow in the 50th minute to get Liverpool over the line, though an injury to £123m signing Bradley Barcola somewhat soured the victory.
Anfield was on its feet after just 15 seconds when Szoboszlai won back possession from kick-off before offloading to Alexander Isak, who fired wide of the left post.
Julian Alvarez then forced Alisson Becker into his first save before Barcola, on his first start since joining from Paris Saint-Germain, took Szoboszlai's ball down the right channel and fired at Jan Oblak from a tight angle.
But it was Atleti which went in front in the 17th minute after carving through Liverpool's defence, as Alvarez's pass caught Milos Kerkez napping and allowed Llorente to steal in and finish.
Alisson was then at full stretch to tip Alvarez's shot from distance behind, but Liverpool levelled five minutes before half-time through Szoboszlai, who rolled past Oblak after collecting Ronald Araujo's flick inside the box.
Liverpool completed the turnaround within five minutes of the restart when Mac Allister thundered a left-footed drive into the net just moments after Barcola had fired just wide after a blistering counter-attack led by Florian Wirtz.
Barcola was then forced off with an injury after pulling up off the ball, and his departure helped Atleti grow into the game, but after Alvarez was found in space on the edge of the box, his tame shot was gathered by Alisson.
The host was able to weather that storm and looked more likely to score in the closing stages, but Isak's shot was blocked by Robin Le Normand, with Araujo then flicking a Szoboszlai corner just wide of the far post.
Liverpool thought it had a third a minute from time when Jeremie Frimpong tucked home after Victor Munoz's shot was saved, but the Reds were able to hold on for all three points for the five minutes of additional time.
Alexis Mac Allister
Liverpool FC
