Alexis Mac Allister’s superb strike saw Liverpool come from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at Anfield on Wednesday night, while Bradley Barcola went off with cramp on his eventful home debut.
Barcola made his first start for Liverpool but felt his calf in the second half and was substituted after missing three good chances to score. It did not prove costly, with Mac Allister’s rocket securing victory.
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Marcos Llorente opened the scoring for Atletico with his fifth goal against Liverpool, but Dominik Szoboszlai levelled before half-time.
Both Liverpool goals came shortly after Barcola chances, with Jan Oblak denying him before Szoboszlai’s equaliser and Mac Allister later sparing his blushes with the winner.
Liverpool had drawn their first two Premier League games 2-2, but Andoni Iraola secured his first Champions League victory as a head coach at Anfield.
Wales youngster Lewis Koumas also made his Champions League debut, coming off the bench late on. The 20-year-old’s growing involvement under Iraola will be encouraging for Wales boss Craig Bellamy, who names his squad next week for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
Koumas has since taken to social media to express his excitement. He posted on his Instagram page: “The moments you live for…@championsleague debut beating Atletico Madrid. Writing it doesn’t feel real,a proper European night at Anfield you reds were unreal.
Koumas is viewed as a potential long-term solution to Wales’ search for a regular striker, and his progress at Anfield could strengthen his case for a bigger role with the national team.
Steven Gerrard has also tipped the Wales international for a big future. “I played with his dad. He was a wonderful player, Jason,” said Gerrard on TNT Sports.
“This kid Lewis is all about graft. He’s honest, he’ll chase lost causes, can hold the ball up. Knows how to handle himself.”
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