Liverpool 2, Atletico Madrid 1: Szoboszlai and Mac Allister Strike Back
Liverpool came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in Iraola’s Champions League debut. The Reds trailed after 17 minutes but responded with goals from Szoboszlai and Mac Allister before the hour mark.
A Rocky Start Against Atleti
Tonight Bradley Barcola started for Liverpool, while Gakpo was left out of the match altogether because of a muscle strain. Gravenberch and Frimpong kept their places on the substitutes’ list under the new boss, Araujo got another start, and Ngumoha returned to the starting lineup.
The Reds almost got in early when Szoboszlai made a smart take down in midfield. He pushed forward with possession, fed Isak, yet the Swedish frontman was unable to get his attempt on target. That was a promising opening for Liverpool.
The Reds’ fast start continued for most of the opening 15 minutes. They looked sharp, aggressive in the press, and dangerous when they won it back. However, Atleti scored against the run of play with a very simple ball through the heart of the defense. Llorente put the visitors ahead in the 17th minute.
“Lots of huffing and puffing and definitely not blowing the house down.”
For nearly fifteen minutes after Liverpool conceded, the team failed to manage a single shot. There was plenty of noise and effort, but nothing that came close to threatening the goal.
Szoboszlai and Mac Allister Turn It Around
In the 40th minute, Dom poked in an equalizer for Liverpool, a scrappy strike that finally settled things after all that lovely buildup play went to waste. The assist came from Araujo, who supplied a very sexy backheel pass.
Liverpool were straight into these to start the second half. Barcola was played through on goal and should have scored his 1-v-1 but put his effort just wide of the target.
The loose ball fell to Alexis Mac Allister on the edge of the box, and he drove a left-footed strike into the net, giving the Reds the lead in the 50th minute.
Barcola Injury and Substitutions
It appears that Barcola has picked up what looks like a knock and left the field with care. The manager seized the moment to make two substitutions at once, sending on Munoz and Frimpong to replace Barcola and Ngumoha.
Ten minutes after that, Iraola made a second change, taking Gravenberch off and putting on Mac Allister, who had been excellent tonight. The final two substitutions came from Koumas and Tsimikas, who replaced Kerkez and Isak.
Almost from the start, Koumas showed his worth. He put himself in position to receive a pass and nearly scored, forced the goalkeeper into action, and came within inches of giving Liverpool a two-goal lead before Frimpong was called offside.
A Controlled Finish
Liverpool made it a boring last 40 minutes or so, and that was perfectly fine. The Reds held on to a come-from-behind 2-1 win.
Iraola’s Champions League debut was not a bad showing. The Reds have found the net 2 times in each of their first 4 matches, which suggests things are moving in the right direction for a squad still settling in under the new manager.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
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