The media enjoyed Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid, with Alexis Mac Allister a key area of focus after his winning goal and recent comments.
The Reds battled their way to three points in their Champions League opener at Anfield, thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai’s equaliser and Mac Allister’s rocket.
Here’s how the media dissected a good night for Liverpool at Anfield.
It was only natural that Mac Allister made the headlines…
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The Athletic‘s Andy Jones feels the Argentine is showing why a new Liverpool contract could make sense:
“It was completely understandable why Liverpool were not prepared to present the Argentina midfielder with new terms following a season in which he struggled to find form.
“A strong individual World Cup with his national team has seen him return to Merseyside with momentum, and he has started three consecutive games under Iraola and looked much more like the version that helped Liverpool win the league in 2024-25.
“Mac Allister repeatedly stated that he loved the club during his pre-match press conference and that was evident from his celebration as he ran towards The Kop. He was not afraid to let his emotions out.
“If he can continue this form throughout the campaign, then Liverpool might have a decision to make.”
Harry Bamforth of the Mail was of a similar mindset:
“Are you watching, Liverpool’s board?
“It wasn’t just that he scored a goal; I thought the Argentine was brilliant all night in the middle of the park. He seems to be filled with much more energy this season, and is pressing really well in this system.
“Continue to play like that, and I’m sure he will get that new contract.”
? Alexis Mac Allister…
What a hit son – and on his left foot too! ?? pic.twitter.com/RJzijDivhV
— This Is Anfield (@thisisanfield) September 9, 2026
Andy Hunter of the Guardian said Mac Allister “did his talking” where it mattered most:
“It was the time and place for Alexis Mac Allister to do his talking on the pitch and the disgruntled Liverpool midfielder did not disappoint.
“‘Very sad’ over Liverpool’s refusal to offer him a contract extension, while Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch were getting theirs, Mac Allister made Anfield very happy with a match-winning display against Atletico Madrid.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The Times‘ Paul Joyce was another who had to focus on the No. 10:
“Even though there could be no mistaking the pre-match message imparted by Alexis Mac Allister, Liverpool is not the sort of club to be pressured into decisions by press conference laments.
“As annoyed as the midfielder was not to be offered a new contract last season, it will be his actions, not any amount of words, that will now shape his future.
“A match-winning goal, complemented by a tigerish all-round performance, was a timely exhibition, therefore, of how to truly make a point.
“One day he spoke of being ‘very, very sad,’ the next he was wide-eyed in front of The Kop, a look of elation plastered across his face.”
Felix Keith of the Mirror assessed a strong showing from the midfielder:
“So, after publicly criticising his employers, it was wise of Mac Allister to back up his words with a rocket of a strike and a performance packed full of bite.
“He rose to the occasion presented by Atleti, crashing into tackles and not shying away from the dark side.”
Liverpool’s overall performance was praised, as were other individuals…
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Ronald Araujo celebrates after his side's scored their second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Ronald Araujo celebrates after his side's scored their second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
David Lynch noted how “important” an opening win was for Andoni Iraola and his side:
“A first Champions League game for Andoni Iraola ends in a first Champions League win, and his team good value for it, I thought.
“Important for Liverpool’s top-eight hopes to get that home win over pot one opposition, too, so a great night all round.”
Dominik Szoboszlai for Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid:
? Most touches (87)
? Most duels won (6)
? Most chances created (5)
? Most successful take-ons (4)
And his second goal of the season. ?? pic.twitter.com/WsYPhns6Xx
— Squawka (@Squawka) September 9, 2026
James Pearce of The Athletic was hugely impressed with Ronald Araujo after another assured display:
“Ronald Araujo so impressive for Liverpool again tonight. Back-to-back excellent performances from the combative Uruguayan at right-back.
“Liverpool haven’t had much joy with loan signings in the modern era but he’s a real asset.”
Football – UEFA Champions League – Liverpool FC v Atlético Madrid
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker (L) celebrates with the winning goalscorer Alexis Mac Allister after the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. Liverpool won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Barcola, Iraola collage
Barcola, Iraola collage
Football – FA Premier League – Ipswich Town v Liverpool FC
IPSWICH, ENGLAND - Friday, September 4, 2026: Liverpool's Cody Gakpo lies injured during the FA Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Liverpool FC at Portman Road. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)