Red-hot character! Liverpool brush aside Atletico Madrid

Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister celebrates scoring the winner against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. Pic/AFP

[popcorn number="Two" desc="No. of times Atletico Madrid have lost after scoring first in their last 14 UCL ties" class="Default"]

Alexis Mac Allister strengthened his case for an improved Liverpool contract by scoring the winner as Andoni Iraola's side rallied from a goal down to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Mac Allister expressed his frustration at not being offered a new deal on the eve of the match, but responded by blasting home from the edge of the box in the 50th minute to cap Liverpool's comeback.

Andoni Iraola

Marcos Llorente (17th min) had given Atletico an early lead before Dominik Szoboszlai (40th min) equalised before half-time.

"It's difficult to ask for more. We've shown big character, especially after a difficult start in both halves," said Iraola, who went on to laud the atmosphere created by the Liverpool fans. "I've loved it. The atmosphere has been incredible and I feel lucky to experience it," he added.

The only concern for Liverpool fans after the match was regarding new signing Bradley Barcola, who limped off in the 60th minute. But any concerns that the Frenchman's injury could be a long-term one were dismissed by Iraola, who said he was taken off due to cramps.

Meanwhile, Iraola's Atletico Madrid counter-part Diego Simeone said he was ‘leaving the match happy.'

"The players gave their all. They gave everything. They played a great first half, and in the second half, the opposition found the goal. We looked for alternatives, but we lacked the clarity to attack like we did in the first half. We lost to an opponent who was clinical and knew how to take advantage of their chances," said Simeone.

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