Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola described himself as “lucky” after making a winning debut in the UEFA Champions League as the Reds came from behind to defeat Atlético Madrid 2-1 at Anfield on Wednesday night. The Spanish coach was taking charge of a Champions League match for the first time in his managerial career, and his introduction to Europe’s premier club competition ended with Liverpool securing three points after recovering from an early deficit. Atlético took the lead through Marcos Llorente, who finished after being played through by Julián Álvarez. Liverpool responded before half-time when Dominik Szoboszlai levelled the contest. Alexis Mac Allister then completed the comeback shortly after the restart, firing Liverpool ahead and ultimately securing the victory.
Iraola admitted Liverpool had been caught off guard by Atlético’s approach in the opening stages but said his players adapted as the match progressed. Atlético manager Diego Simeone started with a three-at-the-back system that created problems for Liverpool early in the match. Iraola acknowledged that his side needed to adjust before becoming more effective.
“I have to blame myself a bit for the start of the game,” Iraola said, according to The Guardian. “Atlético surprised us with the way they approached the game.”
He said Liverpool improved after making adjustments and produced a stronger second-half performance. The manager also praised the character shown by his players after falling behind, noting that the team had now come from behind three times this season.
Mac Allister proved decisive for Liverpool when he scored four minutes into the second half. The Argentina midfielder collected the ball around the edge of the area before producing a powerful left-footed finish beyond Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak. His goal came after Liverpool had already survived an early setback and created several opportunities to equalise. Szoboszlai had earlier brought Liverpool level in the first half after a move involving Ronald Araújo, whose clever backheel helped create the opening for the Hungarian midfielder. Atlético remained a threat after Liverpool moved ahead, but the hosts defended their advantage to secure the victory. The Spanish side created opportunities to equalise, while Liverpool continued to pose a threat on the counterattack.
The result gave Iraola three points from his first Champions League match and handed Liverpool a positive start to their European campaign. Reuters also confirmed the 2-1 result, with Szoboszlai and Mac Allister scoring after Llorente’s opener. The match was also notable for several Liverpool players making important appearances. New signing Bradley Barcola made his first Liverpool start, while Iraola became a Champions League head coach for the first time.
Despite the difficult opening, Iraola left Anfield satisfied with how Liverpool responded to Atlético’s pressure. The manager said the atmosphere at Anfield made the occasion particularly memorable and described himself as fortunate to experience it. For Liverpool, the immediate priority is now to build on the opening Champions League victory while maintaining their domestic campaign. For Iraola, however, the night provided a significant personal milestone: his first Champions League match ended with a comeback victory over Atlético Madrid at Anfield.