Ademola Lookman featured for Atletico Madrid as Liverpool secured a 2-1 victory over the Spanish side at Anfield in their Champions League opener.
Alexis Mac Allister scored a superb late winner as Liverpool began their European campaign with an important home victory. Marcos Llorente had earlier put Atletico ahead before Dominik Szoboszlai restored parity for the hosts.
Liverpool then completed the comeback when Mac Allister struck from outside the box. The result gave Andoni Iraola his first home win as Liverpool manager and his first Champions League victory in charge.
Mac Allister entered the match under plenty of attention after his candid press conference on Tuesday. The Argentina international said he was “sad” that Liverpool did not offer him a new contract during the summer.
The 27 year old, who remains under contract at Anfield until 2028, responded in the best way possible. He produced a superb left footed finish that flew beyond Jan Oblak and secured all three points for Liverpool.
Liverpool remain unbeaten under Iraola after recording two draws and one win in the Premier League. However, they again had to recover from an early setback after conceding first for the third time in four matches.
Milos Kerkez failed to track Llorente as the Atletico midfielder reached Julian Alvarez’s pass. Llorente then kept his composure to beat Alisson and score at Anfield once again.
Liverpool Complete Comeback After Lookman Appearance
Llorente has a remarkable connection with Liverpool’s home ground. He named his dog “Anfield” after scoring twice against Liverpool in 2020, when Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid eliminated the Reds from the Champions League.
That latest goal added another chapter to his record. Five of Llorente’s 10 Champions League goals have now come at Anfield.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson also had to make an important save from Alvarez. The Argentine tested him from distance while making his first Atletico start of the season after failing to secure his desired move to Barcelona.
Liverpool eventually found their equaliser before half time. Kerkez did brilliantly to win possession back, while Ronald Araujo produced a clever back heel to set up Szoboszlai.
The Liverpool midfielder made no mistake as he finished well to bring the score level. The hosts then returned after the break with greater attacking intent.
Bradley Barcola missed a huge chance shortly after half time. The Liverpool forward, making his first start since his £123m move from Paris St Germain, fired wide when he had a clear opportunity.
Just one minute later, Liverpool punished Atletico. Mac Allister reacted quickest to a loose ball before firing his effort into the net in front of the Kop.
Atletico introduced Lookman during the second half as they searched for another way back into the game. The Nigeria international replaced Koke in the 59th minute and played the final 31 minutes.
Lookman completed 100 percent of his passes during his time on the pitch. He also recorded 19 touches but did not register a shot on goal.
Liverpool faced a brief scare when Barcola went down with cramp. The Frenchman had to leave the field around the hour mark, but Iraola’s team remained composed and protected their advantage.
The victory gives Liverpool valuable momentum at the start of their Champions League campaign. Their next European fixture will take them away to LASK on October 14.
For Atletico Madrid, the focus now turns to their next Champions League challenge. Lookman will be hoping to make a greater impact when Atletico face Manchester United on October 13.
