Liverpool fell victim to yet another Marcos Llorente goal for Atletico Madrid at Anfield, with one player in particular blamed for the Reds falling behind in the Champions League opener
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Marcos Llorente of Atletico de Madrid celebrates after scoring their first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield on September 09, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Marcos Llorente celebrates after scoring for Atletico Madrid against Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Ally McCoist blasted Milos Kerkez for his part in Liverpool falling behind to Atletico Madrid in its opening Champions League encounter on Wednesday.
The Reds kicked off their European campaign with a replay of the 2025 opener as they came up against Diego Simeone’s side once again. Andoni Iraola took charge of his first Champions League game, although his side didn’t get off to the best of starts.
Atletico took the lead after 17 minutes, with Marcos Llorente once again scoring at Anfield, having made a habit of it over the past few years. Dominik Szoboszlai would pull a goal back just before the break though to leave the two sides level at half-time.
Former Scotland international McCoist was far from impressed with Liverpool’s back line for the opening goal though, with Kerkez in particular coming in for criticism after Llorente managed to brush past him.
“I’m staggered at the space they’ve allowed in the middle of the park. It’s absolutely amazing,” McCoist said while commentating for TNT Sports.
“There’s a press going on, and they’ve just played through Liverpool in the middle of the park, and it’s one pass after that. It looks as though he’s timed his run to perfection.
Milos Kerkez of Liverpool warms up before the UEFA Champions League match against Atletico Madrid
An error from Milos Kerkez contributed to Atletico Madrid's opening goal against Liverpool at Anfield(Image: Photo by Alfie Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“Look how open they are, I cannot believe how open Liverpool are there. He runs inside Kerkez, watch the movement. He goes to step outside - he’s got to stay with him, Kerkez has to stay with the runner, he can’t allow him to go goalside.”
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard agreed with McCoist’s assessment, and suggested that the Reds were making things too easy for their opponents.
“I think Liverpool are pressing in ones and twos, they’re not pressing as a team, they’re not pressing together,” Gerrard said.
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“There’s too much space between the units, it’s very easy to play through. We spoke about that Liverpool high line, runs from out to in. It ends up both fullbacks play him onside, it’s a terrific run and a terrific finish.”
Liverpool.com says: Those defensive problems aren't going away anytime soon for Liverpool, and Kerkez isn't doing himself many favors.
The left-back has to improve, but it's not like the Reds have an outstanding backup waiting in the wings if he continues to struggle.