Alexis Mac Allister responded to the uncertainty surrounding his Liverpool future by producing a stunning strike to complete a 2-1 Champions League comeback against Atletico Madrid at Anfield.
The Argentina midfielder admitted only a day earlier that he was “very sad” not to have been offered a new contract by the club during the summer.
He then let his football do the talking, smashing home from 20 yards to give Liverpool victory in an entertaining contest and provide another reminder of his importance to the Reds.
Atletico punish Liverpool’s high line
Liverpool made a bright start, with Alexander Isak wasting an early opportunity created by Dominik Szoboszlai.
However, Atletico quickly exposed the space behind Liverpool’s high defensive line.
Marcos Llorente continued his remarkable record at Anfield by opening the scoring after 17 minutes.
Julian Alvarez was given too much time to pick out the midfielder’s run, and Llorente calmly finished past Alisson from the edge of the area.
The goal was his fifth at Anfield in just three Champions League appearances against Liverpool, having scored twice in each of his previous visits.
Alisson then produced an excellent save to deny Alvarez from 25 yards as Atletico threatened to extend their advantage.
Liverpool eventually found a way back into the game five minutes before half-time.
Milos Kerkez won possession before the hosts recycled the attack, with Ronald Araujo’s clever heel-flick releasing Szoboszlai. The Hungarian kept his composure to slide the ball past Jan Oblak and level the contest.
Mac Allister delivers decisive blow
Atletico continued to offer Liverpool problems after the break, with Bradley Barcola missing another opportunity to put the visitors back ahead.
The £123million signing had already gone close several times but was unable to find the finishing touch.
Liverpool immediately made Atletico pay for their missed chances.
Mac Allister collected the ball around 20 yards from goal and unleashed a powerful left-footed effort through a crowded penalty area and beyond Oblak to complete the turnaround.
The goal sent Anfield into celebration and gave Mac Allister the perfect response to the contract concerns he had raised the previous day.
Liverpool suffered a setback when Barcola was forced off with what appeared to be a calf problem before the hour mark, despite having posed a constant threat.
Atletico still had opportunities to equalise, with Alvarez involved in much of their attacking play, but Liverpool managed to hold on.
The victory gives Iraola an ideal start to his Champions League campaign, while Mac Allister’s decisive contribution could give Liverpool’s hierarchy plenty to consider as discussions over his future continue.
