Liverpool secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in their opening match of the 2026/2027 Champions League group stage at Anfield on Thursday, September 10, 2026, according to match reports. After falling behind to an early goal from Marcos Llorente, manager Arne Slot’s side rallied with responses from Dominik Szoboszlai and match-winner Alexis Mac Allister to claim three points.
Early Setback as Marcos Llorente Strikes for Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid opened the scoring during their first dangerous attack of the night in the 17th minute, according to match accounts. Julian Alvarez delivered a precise through-ball into the final third, finding Marcos Llorente. Llorente slipped past defender Milos Kerkez and calmly converted a one-on-one opportunity against goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Atletico nearly doubled their lead in the 27th minute when Alvarez found space free on the right side of Liverpool’s defense. The forward unleashed a direct shot that Alisson managed to block, keeping the deficit at a single goal. Liverpool struggled to find rhythm early, though Alexander Isak tested the visitors immediately after kickoff with a long-range effort that drifted wide of the post.
Did You Know?
According to historical records referenced in build-up coverage, Atletico Madrid and Diego Simeone last clashed with Liverpool in high-stakes European fixtures during the 2021-22 group stage, where the Reds secured consecutive victories.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister Secure the Comeback
Liverpool leveled the score just before halftime in the 40th minute. Milos Kerkez showed tenacity to win back possession from an Atletico defender, feeding Bradley Barcola whose initial shot was parried by goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Ronald Araujo collected the loose ball and executed a clever backheel pass to Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian midfielder drove his shot firmly into the far corner past Oblak to make it 1-1.
The hosts carried that momentum into the second half, taking the lead permanently just five minutes after the restart. Rio Ngumoha drove down the left flank and delivered a low cross that brushed off Alexander Isak. The resulting loose ball fell kindly to Alexis Mac Allister, who struck a ferocious left-footed drive into the corner of the net to put Liverpool ahead 2-1. The goal allowed Liverpool to control possession and lock down the match, denying Atletico any clear openings inside the penalty area for the remainder of the fixture.
Match Statistics and Team Lineups
The narrow triumph places Liverpool in ninth position in the early Champions League league-phase standings, while Atletico Madrid sit 28th, according to official match data. Despite late pressure and an 80th-minute chance for Isak that was quickly snuffed out by defender Robin Le Normand, the scoreline remained unchanged through the final whistle.
Liverpool starting XI: Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet, Milos Kerkez (Konstantinos Tsimikas 88′); Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister (Ryan Gravenberch 60′); Florian Wirtz, Rio Ngumoha (Jeremie Frimpong 60′), Bradley Barcola (Víctor Munoz 60′); Alexander Isak (Lewis Koumas 88′).
Atletico Madrid starting XI: Jan Oblak; Marc Pubill, Cristian Romero (Robin Le Normand 77′), Marcos Llorente, David Hancko; Pablo Barrios (Morten Hjulmand 77′), Giuliano Simeone, Koke (Alejandro Grimaldo 59′), Alex Baena (Jonathan David 73′); Lee Kang-In (Ademola Lookman 59′), Julian Alvarez.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid?
Liverpool defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 at Anfield in their opening fixture of the 2026/2027 UEFA Champions League.
Who scored the goals for Liverpool?
Dominik Szoboszlai scored the equalizer in the 40th minute, and Alexis Mac Allister scored the winning goal in the 50th minute.
Who scored for Atletico Madrid?
Marcos Llorente opened the scoring for Atletico Madrid in the 17th minute.
Where does this result leave both teams in the Champions League table?
Following the opening matchday, Liverpool sits in ninth place in the league phase standings, while Atletico Madrid occupies the 28th spot.
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