Andoni Iraola insisted he could not have asked for more from his players after Liverpool launched their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid. Marcos Llorente put the visitors ahead on 17 minutes after racing onto Julian Alvarezs pass, but Dominik Szoboszlai levelled before the break and Alexis Mac Allister completed the turnaround five minutes into the second half.The victory came at a cost, however, with summer signing Bradley Barcola limping off with a calf injury in the second half.Speaking on TNT Sports afterwards, Iraola was asked about the difficult opening. Difficult to ask for more. I think we have shown big character, especially the players after a difficult start. I loved it, the atmosphere has been incredible and I feel lucky to experience it.The Spaniard was honest enough to accept personal responsibility for being caught cold by Atleticos shape. I have to take blame from the beginning because they surprised me a little bit tactically, they played a five at the back, a 5-3-2. We expected something different and waited to correct it. After half-time, we had a much better game, we pressed better, and I think we have been a better team.Mac Allisters match-winning contribution was all the more notable given the controversy surrounding his contract situation. The Argentine had gone public with his frustration at being denied a new deal on the eve of the match with teammates Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch having recently put pen to paper on extensions.Iraola was full of praise for both scorers.Yes, lovely goal for him and from Dominik, he said. They ran a lot. Alexis has been very smart I think it was a very cheap first yellow. They were putting pressure to find the second one. He is a smart player and he could survive that. Topics Andoni Iraola Liverpool F.C. Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid: Report, result and goals as Reds come from behind Mitch Fretton 9th September, 2026 WATCH: Szoboszlai draws Liverpool level with Atletico Madrid Mitch Fretton 9th September, 2026 LIVE Liverpool v Atletico Madrid: Commentary, updates, goals and stats Jon Fisher 9th September, 2026 Liverpool v Atletico Madrid: Starting XIs confirmed at Anfield for Champions League test Tom Rostance 9th September, 2026 Win tickets to a Champions League game with bet365 Jon Fisher 9th September, 2026 Ballon dOr: Full list of 30 nominees as Messi is included but Ronaldo snubbed Jon Fisher 8th September, 2026
