Liverpool v Atlético
Play By Play
Repeating their feat of almost one year ago, Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid at Anfield in their opening Champions League fixture. A close-fought contest goes in favour of the Reds, who have now won all of the clubs' last four encounters. It was a moment of magic from Mac Allister that split the sides, with the midfielder's ruthless finish putting Liverpool ahead shortly after half-time. The hosts had trailed when Llorente beat Alisson to score his fifth career goal at Anfield, but Atleti's lead wouldn't last until the break. Instead, star man Szoboszlai found a way through their packed defence with the help of a flicked assist from Araujo, and that totally changed the momentum. While the Spanish side had much more possession in the final half-hour, they created relatively little, and a modest xG of 0.81 from nine shots tells that tale; Liverpool posted 1.69 from 14 attempts. So, Iraola finally defeats Simeone and claims maximum points on his Champions League managerial debut. His team return to their European campaign next month, with an away game against LASK, while Atleti will face more English opposition on the second matchday, hosting Liverpool's old foes Manchester United. That's all from our live coverage, so thank you for joining us and goodbye!
FULL-TIME: LIVERPOOL 2-1 ATLETICO MADRID
Koumas sets up his fellow sub Frimpong on the right, but the latter seems to run out of ideas and hits the first defender with an aimless cross. That allows Atleti to shut down Liverpool's counter, then move forward for one final push.
A minimum of five minutes will be added to the end of this second half, so Liverpool still have some work to do. Can Atleti create one more chance to equalise, or will they suffer a fourth straight defeat to the Reds?
Oblak makes a sharp close-range stop to deny Munoz, before the ball breaks towards Frimpong. The Dutch winger quickly converts from a few yards out, but he was clearly offside - Atleti fans breathe again!
Koumas is also introduced, replacing Isak.
Possibly owing to cramp, Kerkez must depart. Tsimikas is his replacement at left-back.
The assistant's flag is raised for offside in any case, as Pubill shoots well wide following Atleti's corner-kick. Before play can resume, Kerkez sits down on the turf and indicates that he can't carry on.
When Lookman steps away from Araujo and looks to drive the ball across Liverpool's area, the Barcelona-owned defender manages to recover with an important block - but only at the cost of a corner.
From the hour mark to the 75th minute, Atleti had a 71% share of possession, and they're continuing to push Liverpool back in search of an equaliser. The hosts seem to have run out of steam.
Alvarez earns his side a corner, which Grimaldo then tees up on the left. The substitute's delivery finds Hancko at the near post, but the latter's glancing header rises high over the crossbar - it was a very tight angle.
GREAT BLOCK! Le Normand does well again! Shifting his body into the path of Isak's 10-yard shot, the Atletico Madrid substitute keeps their hopes alive!
Szoboszlai sends in his latest corner-kick from the left, whipping it into the six-yard box with some pace. Le Normand reads it, though, and makes a powerful clearing header.
There's also a late change in midfield, as Hjulmand runs on and Barrios jogs off.
Simeone turns to his bench once again; Atleti use their final two substitutes. First, Romero is replaced by Le Normand.
His switch to Juventus hasn't quite worked out - which explains why he's currently on loan in Madrid - but David did score on his only previous visit to Anfield, as a Lille player in January 2025.
Though he's proved a lively presence throughout, Baena has not quite produced the right finish or final ball. He now makes way for Canada striker David.
A handball by Gravenberch, who is being pressure by Baena, gifts Atletico Madrid a free-kick in a central area, around 35 yards from goal. However, Simeone then shanks his cross from a lofted Alvarez delivery straight over the right byline.
Receiving warm applause from the home fans, Mac Allister's shift is over. The potential match-winner will be replaced by Gravenberch for the closing stages.
After flicking on Grimaldo's cross, Alvarez eventually receives the ball back from Simeone on the brink of the box. However, he can't quite set himself to take a clean strike, only prodding a tame attempt straight at Alisson.
Atleti are starting to probe, with Lookman and then Simeone both being shut down inside the box. For all Liverpool's supremacy since the interval, their lead remains slim and there's around half an hour left on the clock.
Szoboszlai sends in another corner. Under pressure near the penalty spot, Araujo clears the crossbar by several yards with a rising header.
An outswinging corner from the right by Baena is comfortably dealt with by Van Dijk, who heads the ball clear of immediate danger. Since half-time, Atleti have created zero xG and failed to test Alisson with a shot - could David be sent on to help out Alvarez?
Barcola can't carry on, so Munoz is sent on to take his place on the wing.
Iraola responds by making two substitutions of his own. First, Frimpong replaces Ngumoha, who became Liverpool's youngest starter in the Champions League.
