Liverpool began their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday.
Marcus Llorente gave Atleti an early lead before Dominik Szoboszlai restored parity for the Reds, while Alexis Mac Allister scored the winner.
Bradley Barcola was handed his full debut but came off with an injury concern on the hour mark and was replaced by Victor Munoz.
Asked about Barcola in his post-match press conference, head coach Andoni Iraola eased concerns over the fitness of the France international.
“No, just cramps, especially with Bradley. We are kind of rushing him a little bit,’ [Iraola told TNT Sports](https://www.tntsports.co.uk/football/champions-league/2026-2027/live-liverpool-atletico-madrid_mtc21878549/live-commentary.shtml).
“We wanted him there, but at the end we decided to say give us what you have then that’s the most he has. Let’s see how they recover for the next one.”
Barcola had not played any pre-season minutes before joining Liverpool. He only made a substitute appearance against Ipswich Town last Friday, leaving him match-rusty.
Barcola endured a difficult debut at Anfield, although he was deployed on the right flank.
He missed a big chance to open his goalscoring account for Liverpool, dragging his effort wide after being put through on goal by Florian Wirtz.
The Frenchman did not make a key pass or complete a dribble, while his only attempted cross was unsuccessful.
With Barcola struggling on the right against Atleti, Iraola should deploy him on his preferred left flank. Teenager Rio Ngumoha should provide cover for the summer signing.
Cody Gakpo and Victor Munoz should be the right-wing options. Both have impressed in that position, although they are natural left-wingers.
Liverpool’s [Premier League](https://footballtoday.com/premier-league-fixtures/) clash against Fulham on Saturday will give Iraola another opportunity to find the right balance on the flanks.
Stats from Sofascore