Liverpool began their 2026/27 Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Atlético Madrid at Anfield. Diego Simeone’s side struck first through Marcos Llorente in the 17th minute, but Dominik Szoboszlai equalised before half-time before Alexis Mac Allister completed Liverpool’s comeback with a powerful strike shortly after the restart.
The game was also notable for Bradley Barcola making his first Liverpool start, with the summer signing deployed on the right. So, how did the French winger perform? Here are our Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid player ratings.
Liverpool Player Ratings vs Atletico Madrid
Alisson Becker – 7/10
Could do little about Llorente’s finish but produced important saves to deny Julián Álvarez and kept Liverpool ahead in the second half.
Ronald Araújo – 8/10
One of Liverpool’s best performers. Defended aggressively and produced a superb backheel assist for Szoboszlai’s equaliser.
Jeremy Jacquet – 7/10
Another composed performance at centre-back. Comfortable dealing with Atlético’s attacking threat and showed good anticipation.
Virgil van Dijk – 7/10
Dijk Commanding as usual. Organised the defence well and helped Liverpool withstand Atlético’s late pressure.
Milos Kerkez – 6/10
Had a difficult first half and was partly at fault for allowing Llorente space, although his determination helped create the equaliser.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 8/10
A lively midfield display capped by a crucial equaliser. His energy and pressing helped Liverpool regain control.
Alexis Mac Allister – 9/10
Liverpool’s standout player. He dictated play from midfield before producing a superb long-range finish to win the match.
Florian Wirtz – 7/10
Showed flashes of his quality and worked hard without the ball, although he could have influenced the game more as a creator.
Bradley Barcola – 7/10
A promising first start. His blistering pace caused Atlético problems, particularly early in the second half when he burst through the defence but fired wide. He should have scored, but his speed and defensive work were encouraging. He was substituted around the hour mark after appearing to suffer from cramp.
Rio Ngumoha – 6/10
Worked hard on the flank but struggled to make a decisive attacking impact before being replaced.
Alexander Isak – 6/10
Did not score but made intelligent runs and helped create space for Liverpool’s attacking midfielders.
Liverpool Substitutes Player Ratings
Jeremie Frimpong – 6/10
Introduced for Rio Ngumoha in the 60th minute and used in a more attacking role.
Victor Muñoz – 6/10
Came on for Bradley Barcola and continues to look like a useful option for Liverpool on either wing. Had limited time to make a significant impact in this game.
Ryan Gravenberch – 5/10
Replaced Alexis Mac Allister in the 69th minute. A few loose touches and unnecessary flicks made his cameo somewhat untidy.
Lewis Koumas – N/A
Made his Champions League debut after replacing Alexander Isak in the 88th minute. A memorable moment for the youngster.
Kostas Tsimikas – N/A
Came on for the injured Milos Kerkez late on and could have a greater role to play if Kerkez is forced to miss time.
Atlético Madrid Player Ratings vs Liverpool
Jan Oblak – 7/10
Made several useful interventions and prevented Liverpool from extending their lead.
Marcos Llorente – 8/10
Atlético’s brightest attacking player. His excellent finish gave the visitors an early lead.
Marc Pubill – 6/10
Worked hard defensively but struggled as Liverpool increased the pressure.
Cristian Romero – 6/10
A competitive display on his Atlético debut, although Liverpool’s movement eventually caused problems.
David Hancko – 5/10
Found it difficult to contain Liverpool’s attackers and was part of a defence that increasingly came under pressure.
Giuliano Simeone – 6/10
Showed energy and aggression but was unable to consistently threaten Liverpool’s defence.
Pablo Barrios – 7/10
One of Atlético’s better midfielders, helping them escape Liverpool’s press and launch counter-attacks.
Koke – 6/10
Provided experience in midfield but could not prevent Liverpool from taking control.
Alejandro Baena – 6/10
Had moments of quality but was largely contained by Liverpool’s midfield.
Lee Kang-in – 6/10
Linked up with Álvarez at times but struggled to create enough clear chances.
Julián Álvarez – 8/10
A constant threat and provided the assist for Llorente’s opener. Liverpool’s defence had to remain alert to his movement throughout.
Atlético Madrid Substitutes Player Ratings
Alejandro Grimaldo – 4/10
Replaced Koke in the 59th minute and produced a couple of useful passes that created or nearly created chances.
Ademola Lookman – 4/10
Was fairly active on the left and helped keep Atlético's attack aggressive.
Jonathan David – 5/10
Made his Atlético debut and showed glimpses of his movement with a couple of interesting runs.
Morten Hjulmand – 4/10
Came on for Pablo Barrios with 13 minutes remaining but initially struggled to retain possession.
Robin Le Normand – 4/10
Replaced Cristian Romero after 77 minutes and immediately faced pressure from Liverpool's attack.
How Did Bradley Barcola Perform?
For a first start, Barcola was encouraging rather than spectacular. His pace immediately gave Liverpool another dimension, and his willingness to contribute defensively was particularly positive. His missed a great opportunity after racing through Atlético’s defence will frustrate him, but the performance offered plenty of reasons for optimism.
What next for Liverpool & Atlético Madrid?
The Reds will face Fulham at Anfield in the Premier League, while Atlético Madrid face Real Sociedad away in La Liga.