Mac Allister explains why Atletico Madrid are ‘dangerous’ ahead of Anfield clash
Liverpool, United Kingdom - September 17: Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool FC and Javier Galán of Atletico de Madrid battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield on September 17, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Ryan Crockett/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Alexis Mac Allister spoke about the challenges to be expected from Atletico Madrid.
The Rojiblancos have remained steadfast in their faith in the qualities of Diego Simeone, who has been in the dugout in the red and white half of the Spanish capital since the end of 2011. He led the club to the Champions League final twice in 2012 and 2014, and last campaign, he reached another semi-final to add to the run from 2016 as his side bowed out 2-1 on aggregate against Arsenal.
‘They have that passion, those guts and that desire’
Their Champions League campaign began with a visit to Anfield to play against Liverpool, who conceded another Marcos Llorente brace but battled to earn a 3-2 triumph last September.
Mac Allister is familiar with what the guests can offer in terms of threat, and he also imagines that his Argentine compatriots will come into the contest with their typical spirit to test the Liverpool resolve.
Mac Allister on the Atletico threat
"I think over the last few years you always talk about that they are a defensive. I don't believe too much in that. When they defend, they play with a pretty low block, which is hard to break down, but then they have some great players who have great freedom and that makes them very dangerous.
"I think the most difficult [thing] when you play against them is to defend well. We have to be clear in what we need to do and also to be aggressive.
“They have quite a few Argentinian players so it could be that helps them a little bit, but they have that passion, those guts and that desire to win that we as Argentinians have within us.
"I think it's great that Diego has been there for such a long time and he has been able to get his ideas across. It will be a lovely game and hopefully we'll win it."