Alexis Mac Allister responded to a week of speculation about his Liverpool future in style, scoring a superb winner as the Reds beat Atletico Madrid at Anfield to open their Champions League campaign with three points.

Dominik Szoboszlai was also on target for Liverpool after Marcos Llorente had put Atletico ahead, with Mac Allister’s second-half strike securing Andoni Iraola his first home victory as Liverpool manager and his first Champions League win in charge.

Mac Allister entered Wednesday’s game firmly in the spotlight following his candid press conference a day earlier. The 27-year-old Argentina international said he was “sad” that Liverpool had not offered him a new contract during the summer. His current deal runs until 2028.

But Mac Allister ensured the focus quickly shifted to his performance, producing a powerful left-footed finish from outside the penalty area that left Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak with little chance.

Liverpool remain unbeaten under Iraola following two draws and a victory in the Premier League, although their habit of falling behind continued. They conceded first for the third time in four matches when Milos Kerkez failed to follow Llorente’s run.

Julian Alvarez found the Atletico midfielder, who finished beyond Alisson to add another Anfield goal to his remarkable Champions League record. Llorente, who named his dog “Anfield” after scoring twice there during Atletico’s victory over Liverpool in 2020, has now scored five of his 10 Champions League goals at the Merseyside ground.

Alisson later prevented Atletico from extending their advantage by denying Alvarez from distance.

Liverpool found their equaliser before half-time. Kerkez recovered possession impressively before Ronald Araujo’s clever back-heel created the opening for Szoboszlai, who made no mistake with his finish.

Bradley Barcola, making his first Liverpool start following his £123m move from Paris St-Germain, should have put the hosts ahead shortly after the restart but fired wide from a promising position.

Liverpool did not have to wait much longer. A minute later, Mac Allister collected a loose ball and unleashed a fierce effort in front of the Kop to complete the turnaround.

Barcola later went down with cramp and was replaced around the hour mark, providing Liverpool with a brief injury concern. Iraola’s team nevertheless protected their advantage to secure an important opening Champions League victory.

Liverpool will next face LASK away from home in the competition on October 14.