NEWS
Liverpool narrowly wins Champions League blockbuster against Atletico
The Reds turn a deficit around with goals just before and after the break, starting the league phase with a win.
Liverpool FC kicks off the UEFA Champions League league phase with a 2-1 home victory over Atletico Madrid.
The blockbuster clash at Anfield Road starts at a rapid pace, with Isak firing a low shot just wide of the left post after only a few seconds (1st minute).
The "Reds" are the dominant team from the start, consistently combining well through Atletico's defense. New signing Barcola brings down a high pass superbly, but the Frenchman fails to beat Oblak from a tight angle (15th minute).
Atletico shocks Liverpool, who equalize before the break
Suddenly, Atletico takes the lead. Alvarez threads a perfect pass to Llorente, who gives Alisson no chance with his finish, making it 1-0 against the run of play (17th minute).
The "Colchoneros" gain confidence, defending well – up front, Alvarez fires a shot from distance, with Alisson tipping the ball around the left post (27th minute).
It takes a while for Liverpool to find attacking solutions again. Just before halftime, the deadlock is broken: Barcola's shot is still parried by Oblak's foot, but the play continues. Araujo backheels the ball to Szoboszlai, and the Hungarian beats Oblak into the far corner (40th minute).
Shortly after, Atletico almost regains the lead, but Baena's shot from the edge of the box flies wide of the goal (42nd minute).
Mac Allister shoots the "Reds" to victory
England's record champions come out of the dressing room firing on all cylinders. After a one-two with Wirtz, Barcola is through on goal, pushing the ball past Oblak, but also wide of the left post (49th minute).
Moments later, Mac Allister does better: The Argentine gets to the ball somewhat fortunately and hammers it unstoppably into the near corner from 18 yards (50th minute).
The pace of the game then slows down, partly because Simeone's side fails to create any serious goal-scoring opportunities in attack.
3-1 disallowed
Instead, Iraola's side narrowly misses out on a 3-1 lead.
Le Normand manages to block Isak's shot in the nick of time, then Frimpong seemingly celebrates what he thinks is the decider. However, the Dutchman scores from an offside position, and the goal is disallowed (89th minute).
Thus, Liverpool prevails against Atletico, just as they did in their Champions League opener a year ago. Back then, the "Reds" won 3-2 at Anfield Road.
Liverpool's next Champions League opponent is LASK on October 14th.
