Liverpool

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"It is just cramp, there is no injury," Andoni Iraola insisted after £123m summer signing Bradley Barcola was forced off during Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

The 24-year-old went off the pitch holding his left calf 60 minutes into the encounter at Anfield, but his new head coach didn't seem too worried about his fitness post-match.

"It is about building his [Bradley Barcola's] physical condition," Iraola said, after marking his Champions League managerial debut with a win.

"We haven't really known until now how much he can play because he didn't get any pre-season minutes with Paris St-Germain.

"He played 30 minutes the other day. There were some question marks around how many minutes he could give us this match, and we probably know the answer now.

"I'm very happy [with his performance] because he had two very clear chances against the goalkeeper. He didn't score, but I want him there because that is where he has to make the difference."

Iraola also provided an update on fellow forward Cody Gakpo's fitness, with the 27-year-old currently dealing with "some adductor issues".

The Spaniard said Gakpo has a "50-50" chance of being available for Fulham's visit to Anfield on Saturday (15:00 BST) after missing the Champions League opener.

"He doesn't have a proper injury in terms of it being bad, but he did finish [the last game] with niggles in both of his adductors," Iraola explained on Wednesday.

"We expected to have him for this match but it hasn't been possible. It isn't a big thing, but the problem is we play here again in two and a half days."

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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside after the Reds edged a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in their Champions League opener: "This match was always going to be tough because it is the Champions League. We tried to start the game faster than the first two games we played this season. Obviously we didn't have the kick-off and then unfortunately we conceded a goal, but the way we reacted after that is something I'm pleased about, for sure.

"Winning breeds confidence but we all need to be calm, recover and focus on the things we have to improve. There are still loads of things we can improve and we want to improve. We want to be better in what the manager wants from us.

"We are still not there yet. It is a process, but winning helps massively because then it feels like everything is clicking. It will take some more games and training sessions, but it is looking pretty alright."

On Bradley Barcola making his full debut: "He did very well. I don't think he has played that many minutes for a long time, so it is down to him to recover and be ready for the weekend now."

Get the full post-match interview by hitting play above or listen on BBC Sounds

Aadam Patel
Liverpool reporter

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The raw emotion shown by Alexis Mac Allister as he grabbed the Liverpool badge on his shirt and celebrated in front of the Kop told you all that you needed to know.

Just a day earlier, Mac Allister had spoken with a different kind of emotion inside the press room at Anfield as he expressed his sadness at Liverpool not offering him a new contract during the summer.

The Argentina international, who is currently contracted until 2028, spoke passionately about his love for the club and the city, and how he didn't feel like he had anything to prove - but there was an admittance that he needed to show the level he knew he could perform at.

Thankfully for Andoni Iraola and Liverpool, Mac Allister did just that by letting his football do the talking in their 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

From the outset against Diego Simeone's side, the midfielder seemed like a man on a mission. He blazed over early on from outside the box then picked up a booking just before the half-hour mark.

His goal wasn't quite like the strike against Tottenham on the day the Reds won the Premier League in April 2025 - one that produced an actual seismic event, reaching a peak magnitude of 1.74 on the Richter scale - but it was more than good enough to beat one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Jan Oblak.

And it was certainly what Iraola and the Anfield hierarchy would have wanted to see after a below-par 2025-26 campaign from Mac Allister.

The understanding is the powers that be at Liverpool were of the belief that Mac Allister's performances did not warrant the offer of fresh terms.

But if he can carry on like this, then it will be a question of when rather than if that offer is made for whoever replaces Richard Hughes - even if Mac Allister said he didn't know if his goal would boost his chances of a new contract.

Aadam Patel
Liverpool reporter

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Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock said Alexis Mac Allister just needed to be put into a system that suits him to get the best out of him.

"I don't think he has to show his importance to Liverpool, I think everyone knows the qualities he has got anyway," said Warnock, who was a pundit on Wednesday's Champions League Match of the Day.

"There will be a lot of talk about him because of what has gone on in the past few days, but Liverpool fans were already asking why hasn't he been offered a new contract when other players have.

"To come out and talk about a contract situation like he did, a couple of days before a game, and to be able to back it up the way he did with a good performance is important - but it is over the course of the season where his performances are important. If he wants a contract and he thinks he deserves a contract, then if his performances are good, he will get one.

"We all know the qualities that he has got - he is a World Cup winner, a Premier League winner - it is just that he has got to be put into the right system to make it work.

"At the moment, Liverpool's system is a little bit dysfunctional, but it is starting to get better and he will get better because of that."

Watch Wednesday's Match of the Day on BBC iPlayer

Liverpool have plans to sign another midfielder next summer, which would push Alexis Mac Allister further down the pecking order at Anfield. (Talksport), external

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Liverpool starting XI:

Alisson Becker: Well beaten for Llorente's goal but made a good save to deny Alvarez from distance and another stop to keep him out in the second-half. 6

Ronald Araujo: Retained his place at right-back after impressing against Ipswich. Battled well, with one particular press that woke Anfield up. Superb back-heel assist for Dominik Szoboszlai's equaliser. 7

Jeremy Jacquet: Impressive again at centre-half and increasingly looking like a player that could be part of Liverpool's backline for years to come. 6

Virgil van Dijk: Another commanding display at the back. Was furious after Milos Kerkez failed to track Llorente for Atletico's goal. 6

Milos Kerkez: Really poor defending for Llorente's goal and struggled in the first-half but deserves credit for showing great determination to win the ball back just before Szoboszlai's equaliser. 6

Alexis Mac Allister: All eyes on the Argentinian after his press conference on Tuesday but did his talking on the pitch by scoring an absolute belter with his left-foot just after the break. 8

Dominik Szoboszlai: Alvarez went past him easily in the build up to Atletico's goal but was in the right place at the right time with a lovely finish for Liverpool's equaliser. 7

Rio Ngumoha: Back in the starting line-up and on his preferred left wing. Looked lively in moments but Llorente put in a good shift against the 18-year-old. 6

Florian Wirtz: Had a great chance saved by Jan Oblak and got into some dangerous positions. Unlucky not to get an assist when he played Bradley Barcola through. 6

Bradley Barcola: The £123m signing made his first Liverpool start. Showed real glimpses of his quality with come great touches and sharp movement but really should have scored in front of the Kop shortly before Mac Allister's goal. Hobbled off on the hour mark but doesn't look too serious. 6

Alexander Isak: Wasted a good chance early on but worked hard throughout and is increasingly getting more involved in games, like Iraola wants him to. Was awarded an assist for Mac Allister's goal. 6

Liverpool substitutes:

Victor Munoz (on 60, Barcola): 6

Jeremie Frimpong (on 60, Ngumoha): 6

Ryan Gravenberch (on 70, Mac Allister): 6

Lewis Koumas (on 88, Isak)

Kostas Tsimikas (on 88, for Kerkez)

Subs not used: Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman, Trey Nyoni, Luke Chambers, James McConnell, Jayden Danns.

Read the match report and see how you rated the players

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Liverpool's performance

Reaction, analysis and highlights to follow - and come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies.

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson on BBC Radio 5 Live: "That is exactly what Alexis Mac Allister needed to do.

"If you don't get offered a new contract there's a reason, so what do you do? You go out and earn it.

"You work hard, you play to your level and he did that. He put himself about and popped up with a wonderful strike.

"It was all about Mac Allister coming in to the game with what he said in the press conference.

"He has still got two years left on his contract, which I found quite strange. It's not the kind of thing you do, openly ask for a new contract.

"You let your football do the talking, you go out there and play better than you did last season because the level he played at tonight, he didn't reach last season. I thought he was poor at times last season and hadn't earned a new contract.

"He had a good engine tonight and took his goal really well. It was always going to be about him, but it's now all positive. That is how you go about getting a new contract."

Former Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam on BBC Radio 5 Live: "I get what Paul [Robinson] is saying.

"Mac Allister has two years left and clubs generally don't let you go beyond that, but you have to earn the right. His performances last season were not to the level you expect from him.

"He looks a lot fresher after coming back from the World Cup. At the back end of last season, it felt like he was preparing for the World Cup and his performances took a dip.

"What a way to go and back up the statement he made. It was a lovely strike with brilliant technique."

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live's analysis of Wednesday's Champions League action below or on BBC Sounds

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola, speaking to TNT Sports: "Difficult to ask for more. I think we have shown big character, especially the players after a difficult start.

"I loved it - the atmosphere has been incredible and I feel lucky to experience it. I think I have to take blame from the beginning because they surprised me a little bit tactically they played a five at the back - a 5-3-2. We expected something different and waited to correct it. After half-time, we had a much better game, we pressed better, and I think we have been a better team."

On Alexis Mac Allister: "Yes, lovely goal for him and from Dominik [Szoboszlai]. They ran a lot. Alexis has been vert smart - I think it was a very cheap first yellow. They were putting pressure to find the second one. He is a smart player and he could survive that."

On the crowd: "I was enjoying it. They're a very good team. Technically, in the middle, lovely players. It is not easy to press those players as they have quality.

"They have been playing together forever. We find another comeback after Forest, after Newcastle. We still have this thing to improve in the beginning of the games, but I am happy as we have shown some character.

"This is the Champions League, you don't have easy games."

Hit play below to hear more from Iraola or listen on BBC Sounds here

Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister, speaking to TNT Sports: "It was a good comeback.

"I think the first half was really good. We conceded a goal because we were not ready, and we did not defend well, other than it was a good first half.

"The beginning of the second half was really good. We managed to score the second goal, which is good.

"Overall, it was a good performance. Now we have to think about the next one.

"Before the game we spoke about the beginning of the first half and second half. I liked the mentality. I think we showed desire today. We got the fans behind us and that's really important when you play at Anfield. A positive step for us."

On the goal boosting his chances of a new contract: "I don't know - we will see."

Did you know?

• Andoni Iraola enjoyed his first win over Diego Simeone in his managerial career having failed to win any of his four prior encounters in La Liga in charge of Rayo Vallecano (D1 L3).

• Five of Alexis Mac Allister's 20 goals for Liverpool in all competitions have come from outside the penalty area, only Dominik Szoboszlai (12) has more for the club since his debut in August 2023.

There are six games in the Champions League on Wednesday as the opening week of the 36-team league phase continues, and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Barcelona v Feyenoord (17:45)

• Stuttgart v Viking (17:45)

• Liverpool v Atletico Madrid - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Napoli v Arsenal

• Paris St-Germain v Slovan Bratislava

• Sporting v Galatasaray

Kick-off times 20:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Champions League commentary on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Liverpool v Atletico Madrid" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Liverpool match".

Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One from 22:40 to 00:00.

How to follow the Champions League on the BBC

There's also Chelsea v Leeds United in the Carabao Cup third round happening tonight - follow that game here

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Matt Jones
BBC Sport journalist

Andoni Iraola's first Champions League fixture in charge of Liverpool is a familiar one for Reds supporters, with Atletico Madrid the visitors to Anfield.

The Reds, who are six-time European champions, were knocked out of the Champions League last season 4-0 on aggregate by eventual winners PSG.

They earned their first win under Iraola on Friday, as Alexander Isak netted twice at Ipswich Town in the Premier League.

It has been a turbulent summer for Atletico Madrid, with the saga surrounding Julian Alvarez's future dominating much of the discussion.

Diego Simeone's side did enjoy a strong run in this competition last campaign, as they made it to the semi-finals before being eventually beaten by Arsenal.

Did you know?

• The game is a repeat of last season's league phase opener. Virgil van Dijk scored a stoppage-time winner for the Reds, who emerged as 3-2 victors.

• Marcos Llorente scored both goals for Atletico in that encounter. He has four goals in two appearances at Liverpool and has named his dog 'Anfield' after his brace at the stadium in the 2020 Champions League.

Image source, Getty Images

Key Atletico Madrid players - Alex Baena

A surprise star for Spain at the World Cup this summer.

He is the first player to win the World Cup, European Championship and the Olympics. Has already bettered last season's La Liga goal tally of two, netting three times in Atletico's first four league matches.

He was asked by a reporter if he had "dressed up as Julian Alvarez" after scoring a superb free-kick vs Malaga - "No, I dressed up as Alex Baena" was his blunt response.

Atletico Madrid squad summary

Former Crystal Palace striker Alexander Sorloth is an injury doubt and winger Arnau Ortiz is suspended.

After a turbulent summer being linked to a move away from Simeone's side, Julian Alvarez has made two substitute appearances.

Alvarez was publicly courted by Barcelona and was keen on the move, but Atletico refused to sell.

Simeone said he hopes the saga will be a "learning experience" for the ex-Manchester City man.

The original "This Is Anfield" sign from Liverpool's stadium tunnel has fetched £115,000 under the hammer.

It sold for almost eight times the estimated guide price of £15,000, auctioneer Budds said.

The words famously hang above the passage to the pitch and Reds players traditionally touch the sign before matches as they pass. Legendary manager Bill Shankly chose them in 1972 after rejecting "Welcome To Anfield" as too friendly.

The original sign was removed in the 1970s and given to Ronald Wilson, a former member of the club's boys' team, whose family displayed it in an Isle of Man hotel for more than 20 years - until now.

Read more

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Former Chelsea and Everton winger Pat Nevin says Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister "said exactly the right things" when telling media that he is "very sad" not to have been offered a new deal by the club.

The Argentine, who joined on a five-year contract from Brighton in June 2023, saw team-mates Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch extend their Reds deals this year.

"I often hear various players saying things and pushing things a certain way and you get a bit fed up with it," Nevin told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"You're thinking, 'go whinge and whine somewhere else mate, you're doing OK'. Not this time.

"I thought he spoke brilliantly. I thought he said exactly the right things - that he loves the club. Any fan watching that is thinking how he just wants to play for Liverpool Football Club.

"He's just shown us that is the case and if you are asked the question you answer it honestly. He is saying he's seen his mates getting these contracts which might be disappointing, but he's saying all the correct things I think.

"I take nothing away from that, I applaud him for all that.

"Things can change very quickly. It didn't look like Cody Gakpo would leave very recently and then suddenly he's knocking.

"If he is asking for far too much money and putting that pressure on it then he is playing a very good game because to speak the way he did there didn't sound like that. It sounded like somebody who just wanted a contract offered.

"Remember, he wasn't offered a contract. You can offer a contract without a big pay rise or anything like that.

"He doesn't need a PR person, he's doing a great job himself. It's one that will be interesting to see how it goes.

"Some players do run their deals down and then get a lot of money to go to another club. Liverpool know the deal, they have to accept it."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Alexis Mac Allister will be looking to be "remunerated properly" at a critical stage of his career, says Liverpool fan, Joel Richards.

BBC Radio Merseyside discussed the midfielder's comments on Tuesday, where he told the media that he is "very sad" not to have been offered a new deal by the club.

"He's at an age now, 27, where his next contract is going to be the biggest one of his career," Richards said.

"He is someone who will be looking to be remunerated properly after seeing his team-mates getting bumper pay rises so, of course he's going to put it out there that he came very close to leaving in the summer.

"I say it's a clever tactic but how many time have we been here with footballers when they get a microphone put in front of them? If it wasn't going to happen here before a Champions League game, it would have happened with Argentina on international duty.

"Objectively speaking, if you're going to canvas the opinions of a decent size of Liverpool fans from last season, asked them what you thought on Mac Allister and whether he was deserving of a new deal, I think a large majority of that sample size would say 'no' simply because of the performances that he put in.

"However, it's easy to focus on the negatives of last season whereas, his first two seasons at Liverpool he was an important player for us."

• Listen to the full debate on BBC Sounds here

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Mac Allister's comments.

Here are some of your thoughts:

Rob: He should do his talking on the pitch, not off it. If he returns to the form of the title win then perhaps the club will offer him a new deal.

David: Mac Allister has to demonstrate that he can perform to the levels of two seasons ago before he is offered a new contract.

John: Mac Allister needs to return to his 2024-25 season form to be rewarded with a new long-term contract. Dominik Szoboszlai was Liverpool's best player last season, so deserved his new contract. The surprise was Ryan Gravenberch's new contact, as he wasn't at his best last season

Angela: I loved Mac Allister when he first came to LFC. He was a class player for a couple of seasons. However, last season he played well below what was expected and he can't deny that. I was really disappointed with him during the World Cup. He needs to play out of his skin this season if he wants to stay.

Patricio: Very childish, you do not go public like this. He has two years still on his contract, so he has to earn a new one this coming season.

David: Very poor from Mac Allister on so many levels. He still has two years remaining on his existing contract, had a very poor season so is not in a position to renegotiate terms unlike other players he referred to, and no doubt he is fully aware there will be a time to negotiate a new contract later in the season if his form improves.

Stuart: Self-indulgent and not in any way helpful. Alexis was there to represent the club ahead of a huge match and first major Anfield occasion for Iraola, not to air his contract grievance. You're not bigger than the club even if you are a World Cup winner.

Alan: The fact that someone who has played in the last two World Cup finals has not been offered an extension on his contract is a sad indictment of the Liverpool management.

Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

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Nottingham Forest should not have been awarded a penalty at Liverpool for Alisson's challenge on Neco Williams, the Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel has said.

But the KMI Panel added that the decision did not reach the threshold for a video assistant referee intervention, so Michael Oliver was correct not to send referee Sam Barrott to the pitchside monitor.

Williams was brought down by Alisson after releasing a shot in the 68th minute.

Morgan Gibbs-White scored to put Forest 2-1 in front, before Victor Munoz secured a 2-2 draw for Liverpool with an 82nd-minute equaliser.

The KMI Panel voted 3:2 that Barrott should not have given the penalty, but supported the VAR outcome 5:0.

It is possible for the panel to judge them differently because a VAR intervention has a higher threshold than an on-field decision.

"The contact from Alisson was inevitable as a consequence of his momentum in attempting to save the ball," the KMI Panel said. "The contact made was not reckless and below the threshold for a penalty.

"However, the non intervention by the VAR was unanimously supported on the basis that it was not a clear and obvious error."

Liverpool fan Nahyan Chowdhury speaking to BBC Sport about the Reds' recruitment strategy now that sporting director Richard Hughes has left the club: "His time at Liverpool wasn't short of criticism though I think that is a little overstated given the fact he oversaw some fantastic signings that us as a fans got excited for.

"If I was in charge of hiring a sporting director I would employ someone who would look to go back to the model we implemented under Jurgen Klopp - don't sign superstars, make them.

"Andoni Iraola is no Jurgen Klopp, yet. But he did a fantastic job at Bournemouth developing talent like Rayan, Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott. Those are the type of players that could thrive at Liverpool. Don't sign superstars, develop them.

"I do think Liverpool have lacked recently in buying market opportunities. Look at Mamadou Sangare who is new to Brentford. Those are the type of signings Liverpool would have made under Jurgen Klopp.

"By no means am I saying don't sign superstars. I absolutely think we should do. Isak, Barcola, those type of signings made me excited. However, as a fanbase we do fall in love with players who we see rise to the top. Let Iraola do his job. He's a coach at the end of the day. Let him coach some players into superstars."

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on what Liverpool's recruitment model should look like.

Here are some of your comments:

Richard: I would like to see more thought and consideration go into signings, rather than the scattergun approach, which we have seen over recent years. A focus is required on what the squad requires for balance, while also returning to a philosophy of signing the person (not just the player) as was the case under Klopp, Shankly, Paisley, Fagan, and Dalglish. I would also rather see more imagination and in-depth scouting, rather than walking into major European clubs with money falling out of our pockets asking "who do you have and how much do you want?"

Ed: Once upon a time, not all that long ago, the first you heard of a new Liverpool signing was after the business was done. I appreciate media coverage is wider and arguably better than ever before, but please can Richard Hughes' successor do whatever (s)he can do to ensure that potential targets are not identified days/weeks/months in advance.

Prince: It should look like the 'Andy Robertson' model. There are fantastic players in the Championship and even lower, who, with the right coaching, can surprise us. If we can't also transition players from the youth team, then we need to change things there too.

David: Liverpool's recruitment should be designed around two things, age and players who are comfortable on the ball. Today's game has evolved so much that you haven't got time on the ball, it's pure instinct with your position and the pass on the pitch.

Ian: Faster signings that don't drag on. Richard Hughes missed out on so many top players. Andoni Iraola and Bournemouth were great at finding gems and developing them, like Jurgen Klopp, so that's what they need to do.

Liverpool and Manchester United are monitoring Germany defender Malick Thiaw, but Newcastle have no intention of selling the 25-year-old. (Caught Offside), external

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