UCL: LIVERPOOL COME FROM BEHIND TO BEAT ATLETICO MADRID, SPORTING DOWN GALATASARAY

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

Liverpool began their UEFA Champions League campaign on a winning note after coming from behind to defeat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at Anfield on Wednesday night.

The visitors took the lead through Marcos Llorente in the 17th minute after Julián Alvarez created the opportunity.

Liverpool responded before the break, with Dominik Szoboszlai drawing the hosts level in the 40th minute after Ronald Araújo helped keep the ball alive inside the Atletico box.

The Reds completed the comeback five minutes into the second half when Alexis Mac Allister fired a powerful left-footed shot into the corner from about 20 yards.

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Rio Ngumoha’s work down the left helped create the opening for Mac Allister, who made no mistake with the finish.

Atletico pushed for an equaliser late in the game but Liverpool held on to secure three points and hand new manager Andoni Iraola a winning start in his first Champions League match in charge.

Liverpool also received an encouraging performance from Bradley Barcola, who made his first start for the club before being forced off with an injury.

Meanwhile, Galatasaray surrendered an early lead as Sporting CP fought back to record a 3-1 victory in Lisbon.

Galatasaray went ahead in the sixth minute when Lucas Torreira’s effort ended up in the Sporting net following a scramble from a long throw.

Sporting restored parity in the 27th minute through Geny Catamo, who converted after Maxi Araújo’s cross created confusion in the Galatasaray defence.

The hosts then took control after the interval, with Luis Suárez converting a 54th-minute penalty after being brought down inside the box.

Rodrigo Zalazar completed the comeback nine minutes later, curling a superb direct free-kick into the top corner to put Sporting 3-1 ahead.

Galatasaray were unable to find a response as Sporting managed the closing stages to secure maximum points in their opening league-phase fixture.