Alexis Mac Allister Inspires Liverpool Fight Back to Beat Atletico Madrid in Champions League Opener at Anfield

Liverpool began their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night, fighting back from behind to secure all three points at Anfield.

Marcos Llorente gave Diego Simeone’s visitors the lead after 17 minutes, but Dominik Szoboszlai restored parity before the interval before Alexis Mac Allister completed the turnaround with a superb strike five minutes into the second half. It handed Andoni Iraola victory in his first Champions League match as Liverpool Head Coach and ensured the Reds made the perfect start to the league phase.

More Champions League Nights Await at Anfield

Atletico Madrid were only the first of four Champions League opponents scheduled to visit Anfield during the league phase.

Liverpool will also welcome Villarreal on Tuesday 20th October before Porto arrive on Wednesday 9th December. Their final home fixture of the opening phase sees French side Lens visit Anfield on Wednesday 27th January 2027.

Before those European nights arrive, there are several huge domestic fixtures on the calendar as well. Liverpool host Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday 12th September before Tottenham Hotspur visit for a Carabao Cup Third Round tie on Tuesday 15th September. Manchester City are then due at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday 11th October.

Liverpool hospitality packages are available with Eventmasters for fixtures throughout the 2026/27 campaign, offering supporters the opportunity to experience Premier League, Champions League and domestic cup football at Anfield in style.

Atletico Strike First at Anfield

Liverpool almost made the perfect start when Szoboszlai won possession immediately from kick-off and released Alexander Isak, only for the striker to drag his attempt wide.

The Reds continued to threaten during the opening stages, with Bradley Barcola handed his first Liverpool start following his summer arrival from Paris Saint-Germain. Atletico gradually began to settle, however, and punished Liverpool after 17 minutes.

Julian Alvarez found space to release Llorente behind the Liverpool defence, with the Spaniard lifting his finish beyond Alisson to give the visitors the advantage. It was another goal at Anfield for Llorente after his famous double helped Atletico eliminate Liverpool from the Champions League in 2020.

Alvarez nearly doubled the lead from distance, forcing Alisson into an excellent save as Atletico threatened to take control of the contest.

Liverpool responded before half-time. Florian Wirtz had already forced Jan Oblak into action before sustained pressure eventually created the equaliser.

Barcola was initially denied by the Atletico goalkeeper, but Liverpool kept the attack alive. Ronald Araujo’s clever touch eventually presented Szoboszlai with another opportunity and the Hungarian fired a first-time finish into the far corner in the 40th minute.

Mac Allister Completes the Liverpool Comeback

Liverpool carried their momentum into the second half and quickly found the decisive goal.

Barcola had an opportunity to put Iraola’s side ahead shortly after the restart but sent his finish wide. Liverpool did not have to wait much longer.

Rio Ngumoha beat Llorente before sending the ball into the penalty area, where it eventually dropped towards Mac Allister. The midfielder took control of the situation and drove an emphatic left-footed effort beyond Oblak from around 20 yards to make it 2-1 after 50 minutes.

Atletico continued to carry a threat and Simeone turned to his substitutes as the visitors searched for an equaliser, but Liverpool managed the closing stages to protect their advantage.

The final whistle confirmed three important points and a winning start to Liverpool’s latest Champions League campaign.

Liverpool v Atletico Madrid FAQs

What was the Liverpool v Atletico Madrid score?

Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at Anfield in their opening Champions League league phase fixture of the 2026/27 season.

Who scored for Liverpool against Atletico Madrid?

Dominik Szoboszlai equalised in the 40th minute before Alexis Mac Allister scored Liverpool’s winner five minutes into the second half.

Who scored Atletico Madrid’s goal against Liverpool?

Marcos Llorente opened the scoring for Atletico Madrid in the 17th minute.

Who do Liverpool play next in the Champions League?

Liverpool travel to Austria to face LASK on Wednesday 14th October 2026 before returning to Anfield to play Villarreal on Tuesday 20th October.

Can I book Liverpool hospitality with Eventmasters?

Yes. Eventmasters offers Liverpool hospitality packages for fixtures at Anfield throughout the 2026/27 season. The Anfield Beat Lounge includes official Main Stand seating, lounge access, a complimentary drink, match programme, pre-match entertainment and an appearance from a former Liverpool player.