Szoboszlai and Mac Allister Turn Anfield Deficit into Liverpool Victory

Liverpool recovered from an early deficit at Anfield to open its UEFA Champions League league phase campaign with a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid. Central midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister provided the goals that overturned Marcos Llorente’s opener for Diego Simeone’s side.

The result secures three points under the competition’s revised 36-team single-league format, which has replaced the traditional four-team group stage. Llorente’s strike marked his fifth career goal at Anfield, following a memorable two-goal performance at the stadium in March 2020 when Atletico eliminated the then-defending champion Liverpool from the Champions League round of 16 with a 3-2 extra-time win.

Liverpool’s response came before halftime through Szoboszlai, who was named man of the match for his performance in central midfield. The equalizer followed a key build-up play initiated from the right side of the defense by defender Ronald Araujo, currently on loan from FC Barcelona with an option to make the transfer permanent.

Araujo started at right-back ahead of Jeremie Frimpong, building on his previous starting appearance in Liverpool’s domestic fixture against Ipswich Town. The 27-year-old recorded 62 total touches and completed 33 of 39 passes, finishing with an 85 percent pass completion rate. Central defender Jeremy Jacquet remained an alternative option in the squad.

Early in the second half, Mac Allister scored the decisive goal to complete the comeback for the host side. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola addressed Araujo’s role during his post-match news conference, emphasizing the balance between defensive duties and offensive contribution.

“I think he’s been very, very good,” Iraola said in remarks published on the club’s official website. “The other day and he has been, I would say, even better today. I think he’s defending really well his side, but also sometimes because he’s a centre-back we underrate his offensive side.”

Iraola added: “Today he gives a great assist to Dom Szoboszlai. He’s made a couple of very good serves from his position and I’m very happy with him. Very happy. He’s come with the willingness to show that he belongs to this level, and I hope we can keep him there because he’s in a lovely place.”

Atletico Madrid, led by Simeone since December 2011, was unable to hold its early advantage despite Llorente’s strike. Simeone’s tenure has included two La Liga titles and two Champions League final appearances in 2014 and 2016. Liverpool will resume domestic fixtures this weekend when it hosts Fulham at Anfield in Premier League action on Saturday afternoon.