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Iraola Delighted as Liverpool Fight Back to Beat Atletico Madrid in Champions League Debut

Posted : 10 September 2026

Andoni Iraola praised Liverpool’s resilience after his first Champions League match as a coach ended with a 2-1 comeback victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield.

The Reds were forced to recover from an early setback when Marcos Llorente put the visitors ahead in the 17th minute. Liverpool responded before the break through Dominik Szoboszlai, before Alexis Mac Allister completed the turnaround with a powerful strike five minutes into the second half.

Iraola, who was experiencing Champions League football from the dugout for the first time, was impressed by the way his players recovered from their difficult start.

The Spanish coach also praised the Anfield atmosphere, saying the occasion was something he felt fortunate to experience. The victory gives Liverpool three points from their opening league-phase fixture and a strong start to their European campaign.

Liverpool’s £123 million signing Bradley Barcola made his first start for the club but was replaced after an hour. His departure initially caused concern, but Iraola said the France international was suffering from cramp rather than a serious injury.

Barcola had not played during pre-season, meaning Liverpool have been carefully managing his workload since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain. Iraola explained that the winger was being brought up to full fitness gradually and had given everything he had available during his first start.

The victory was particularly significant for Mac Allister, who delivered the decisive moment with a superb long-range finish. Szoboszlai’s equaliser had earlier restored Liverpool’s momentum after Llorente’s opener, completing a comeback that highlighted the team's ability to respond under pressure.

Liverpool will now turn their attention back to domestic action before returning to Europe against LASK in their next Champions League fixture.

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