Liverpool kicked off their UEFA Champions League journey with a comeback win over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Galatasaray faced a tough night, losing 3-1 to Sporting CP in Lisbon, both matches happening on the same night.
At Anfield, Liverpool fell behind early when Marcos Llorente scored for Atletico in the first half. But they bounced back to win 2-1. Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister scored for Liverpool, giving their new coach, Andoni Iraola, a great start in Europe.
Atletico took the lead in the 17th minute when Llorente found the net after Julián Alvarez set him up. The visitors were ahead early in the game.
Liverpool answered back just before half-time. Szoboszlai scored in the 40th minute, leveling the game after Ronald Araújo kept the play alive inside the Atletico box.
The home team completed their comeback five minutes into the second half. Mac Allister struck a powerful left-foot shot into the corner from about 20 yards out. This goal came after Rio Ngumoha created the chance on the left.
Liverpool held on despite a late challenge from Atletico, securing three points in Iraola’s first Champions League match as head coach. Bradley Barcola also made his first start for Liverpool and impressed before he had to leave due to injury.
In Lisbon, Galatasaray had a different experience. They took an early lead against Sporting CP but ended up losing 3-1.
The Turkish champions went ahead in the sixth minute. Lucas Torreira scored after a scramble following a long throw, putting Galatasaray in front. UEFA's official match info confirmed that Sporting and Galatasaray were part of Wednesday’s Matchday 1.
Sporting equalized in the 27th minute with Geny Catamo's goal, which came after Maxi Araújo’s cross caused issues for the Galatasaray defense.
After the break, Sporting took the lead. Luis Suárez scored from the penalty spot in the 54th minute after being fouled in the Galatasaray box. Rodrigo Zalazar added the final touch, scoring a stunning free-kick into the top corner nine minutes later.
Galatasaray tried to fight back but Sporting controlled the final minutes of the match. The Portuguese side secured a 3-1 win, claiming three points in their first league-phase game.
As a result, Liverpool celebrated a thrilling comeback at Anfield while Galatasaray regretted giving up their early lead in Lisbon.
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