Iraola’s First Champions League Lesson: Overturning Atletico Madrid to Prove Himself

During his time managing Rayo Vallecano, Iraola faced Simeone four times, recording one draw and three defeats. As a player, when Iraola represented Athletic Bilbao in 2012, he also lost 0-3 to Atletico Madrid coached by Simeone in the Europa League final. However it is viewed, Simeone and Atletico had both been obstacles for Liverpool’s new manager, but Liverpool’s 2-1 comeback win over Atletico at home early this morning seemed to show that given a bigger stage, Iraola can achieve more.

A major test under the shadow of a difficult opponent

Liverpool legend Carragher also said on CBS: “Compared with Liverpool winning this game, I am happier for their manager, because Liverpool could qualify anyway.” He believes that arriving at a major club like Liverpool and taking charge of his first Champions League match against a tough opponent like Atletico allowed Iraola to prove his managerial ability, and Carragher was pleased to see the coach gradually getting on track at a club aiming for greater honors.

Liverpool’s start to the season has not been smooth. They drew with Newcastle and Nottingham Forest in the first two rounds before beating Ipswich Town away in the third round. Before this match, Liverpool had not won at home, making the encounter with Atletico at Anfield a major test for skeptical observers.

Liverpool made a poor start. In the 17th minute, Alvarez played a through pass and Llorente scored first. Llorente has contributed five goals and one assist in five matches against Liverpool, making them the opponent he has scored against most often in his career. After the match, Llorente generously accepted responsibility, saying Atletico’s 5-3-2 system, which changed into 3-5-2 in attack, required adaptation in individual matchups and was something he had not expected before the game.

Key players sounded the rallying call

After drifting through the opening 30 minutes, Liverpool gradually regained control. In the 40th minute, Araujo provided a backheel assist and Szoboszlai scored in a scramble to make it 1-1. To some extent, the two best-performing players of the match were the first to signal Liverpool’s comeback.

Szoboszlai was named the best player of the match after continuing his strong Champions League form. Statistics showed that since last season he has directly contributed to 10 goals in the Champions League, at least twice as many as any other Liverpool player during the same period.

Araujo was an even bigger surprise. Iraola said he may have underestimated Araujo’s attacking ability. Besides shining offensively, the Barcelona loanee defender made a key block near his own penalty area and then continued pressing into the opponent’s six-yard box. In Liverpool’s internal voting, Araujo was named the best player. Before this match, reports had already suggested that Araujo had impressed the club after only three league games and Liverpool were considering turning the loan into a permanent transfer.

In the second half, Liverpool became the dominant side

If the first-half equalizer was largely due to the performances of key players, Liverpool truly became the dominant side in the following 45 minutes. The Liverpool Echo described the team as having a loose formation in the first half but taking control through intense pressing after the break. Marca also acknowledged that Liverpool’s resilience and midfield quality decided the match, and Atletico struggled to withstand the pressure when the opponent became more aggressive.

Beyond Liverpool’s traditional playing style, manager Iraola played a crucial role in this process. Ngumoha revealed after the match: “At halftime, the coach asked me and Kerkez to keep pressing from our side (the left flank), and when the opponent tried to build through the middle, we also needed to track back quickly. Those adjustments worked in the second half.”

Liverpool’s second goal came in the 50th minute. Liverpool pushed down the left side into the six-yard box, and after a scramble the ball fell to the edge of the area, where Mac Allister fired a powerful shot past Oblak. From the end of the first half into the start of the second, Atletico suddenly appeared to collapse. Manager Simeone was frustrated afterward: “It seemed our physical decline caused us to lose control, but sometimes we simply played badly. We must solve our defensive problems. We did not show the defensive level we should have. Although some people do not like hearing it, I have to say the team is still under construction, and many times we can only play one good half.”

It is worth noting that after beating Malaga 2-0 in the first league round, Atletico conceded eight goals in their next four matches and struggled in La Liga. Losing to Liverpool in the Champions League was therefore not a major surprise. Simeone’s team has always relied on strong defense, and in this match they actually had 55% possession against home side Liverpool, with five corners to seven, nine shots to 14, and four shots on target to five. The statistics did not show a huge disadvantage, but defensive failures at key moments made it difficult for Atletico to control the rhythm and protect their lead.

Mac Allister’s loyalty and Barcola’s uncertainty

This match brought positive feelings for Liverpool in many ways. Match-winner Mac Allister had been unhappy before the game because his contract extension remained unresolved. Liverpool’s management considered bringing in new midfielders after his decline in form last season, while midfielders Szoboszlai and Gravenberch had already secured new contracts, leaving Mac Allister feeling anxious. Transfer journalist Romano even reported that if a renewal was not completed, the Argentine midfielder could leave next summer.

However, Mac Allister delivered a satisfying performance. Along with his excellent goal, he contributed at both ends of the pitch. Statistics showed he made seven passes into the attacking third, created two chances, recorded two tackles and one clearance, and completed 83% of his passes. Daily Mail reporter Lewis said: “Fans who like Mac do not need to worry too much. He is returning to his peak form, and with two years left on his contract, it is far from a final judgment.” Mac Allister also expressed loyalty after the match: “The new coach has arrived and will bring some changes, but as long as I am at Liverpool, I will give everything for this team.”

New signings adapting quickly and established players continuing to perform is exactly what a manager wants to see. If there is still uncertainty, it concerns expensive signing Barcola, who had an ordinary performance, missed a one-on-one chance and went off injured in the 60th minute. Iraola confirmed afterward that Barcola only suffered a muscle spasm and was fine, but like Wirtz and Isak last season, players carrying large transfer fees need time to prove their value at Liverpool.

Winning his first Champions League match provides positive momentum for Iraola’s future work, but it is too early to say Liverpool are fully settled. Tactically, Iraola likes high pressing and quick vertical transitions, similar to Klopp, but the defense also carries risks from pushing positions forward. Carragher believes Liverpool’s current midfield setup is not yet enough to control matches consistently. Another former player, McManaman, also reminded fans to give the team, which is still adapting, more time: “Paris are favorites, Barcelona are also strong. This is a transitional season for Liverpool, and there will be ups and downs. I hope they can do better than last season, but I do not think they currently have the ability to compete for titles on all fronts.”

Pengpai News reporter Chen Jun