Liverpool’s Champions League campaign opened with a victory, but the performance was far from authoritative.

Andoni Iraola’s side survived a bruising 2-1 battle against Atletico Madrid at Anfield, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister sparking a comeback after the visitors threatened to hijack all three points.

The early exchanges played directly into Diego Simeone’s hands, resembling a physical wrestling match rather than a fluid tactical contest. Despite the Red menace offered early on by starting debutant Bradley Barcola, Alexander Isak, and Florian Wirtz, Atletico struck first in the 17th minute.

Marcos Llorente haunted Anfield once again, finishing off a clever pass from Julián Alvarez after Milos Kerkez misjudged an offside trap. Five of Llorente’s ten Champions League goals have now come against Liverpool.

Szoboszlai provided the turning point in the 40th minute, demonstrating ice-cold composure by capitalizing on Ronald Araújo’s unexpected backheel to level the match. That moment of individual brilliance saved a Liverpool side still lacking its championship-era confidence.

Once behind, Atletico’s creative deficiency became starkly apparent. Missing Antoine Griezmann’s spark, Simeone’s unit looked built purely to disrupt rather than build. Alvarez appeared distracted, while Alex Baena and Giovanni Simeone failed to break down the hosts.

Liverpool maintained the pressure, culminating in Mac Allister’s game-winning thunderbolt.

The Argentine’s stunning strike carried a clear message, coming just a day after he publicly expressed disappointment over Liverpool extending Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch while leaving his own contract negotiations on hold.

While the three points provide a solid foundation, Liverpool remains a work in progress.

Despite significant financial investment, this squad has yet to show the cohesion of true European champions.