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Alexis Mac Allister hailed Liverpool’s hunger and top-class mentality after netting a brilliant winner in a 2-1 Champions League comeback victory over Atletico Madrid. The midfielder said Andoni Iraola’s team have all the qualities needed to win major trophies this season.

Mac Allister inspires Liverpool to comeback win

Liverpool began their 2026-27 Champions League campaign with an eye-catching 2-1 comeback win against Atletico Madrid at Anfield. The Reds bounced back after falling behind in the 17th minute to a Marcos Llorente goal, with Dominik Szoboszlai levelling the score before Alexis Mac Allister produced a memorable second-half winner.

Rio Ngumoha’s smart movement through the channel created the opening, giving Mac Allister the chance to drill a 20-yard strike neatly inside the post.

The result gave manager Andoni Iraola a winning start to the new European league phase.

Argentine midfielder praises timing and Anfield support

Speaking after the final whistle, Mac Allister said he was hugely pleased with the team’s tactical display and mental response after going behind. He also underlined the importance of Liverpool scoring at key moments on either side of half-time.

The World Cup-winning midfielder also praised the Anfield crowd for helping drive the side on during the decisive stages of the game.

“I liked the mentality,” Mac Allister said. “We showed desire, we got the fans behind us and that’s really important when you play at Anfield. That’s what we want and I think it’s a really positive step for us.”

Winning goal shows team’s quality and belief

Looking back on his decisive finish, Mac Allister admitted he felt confident straight away when he struck the ball from distance. The 27-year-old stressed that moments of individual quality have to contribute to the team’s wider collective goals.

He also recognised that Liverpool’s early defensive mistakes were soon corrected through sustained control of possession and pressing.

“It was a good hit,” Mac Allister said. “Normally when I’m in those positions I like to shoot. I’m happy because I love to score goals. Today, it was a nice goal and was important for the team.”

High expectations for the European campaign

Looking ahead to the rest of the competition, Mac Allister said Liverpool have the quality and commitment required to challenge for trophies. At the same time, he made it clear that every player must stay completely focused if the club is to live up to the big expectations around it.

Andoni Iraola’s side will now switch attention to next month’s European away trip against Austrian side LASK.

“We have an amazing team,” Mac Allister concluded. “We have quality, we have desire and we have everything to be successful. We will try, we will work hard and hopefully we can get some trophies.”