Liverpool 2 – 1 Atletico Madrid – CL Player Ratings
The Champions League return saw the Reds host Diego Simeone and his ferocious Atletico Madrid side, and the opening round of games in this year’s European Cup began with an explosion on Merseyside.
The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.
Liverpool come from behind to win at Anfield 🔴#UCL pic.twitter.com/AGGUZ3Jwx2
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 9, 2026
Alisson Becker – 7.0
The giant Brazilian stopper was well beaten for the opening goal as he was left exposed by a wide-open space in front of his goal.
After the restart, the Reds’ keeper was largely untested as he dealt with all issues calmly
Ronald Araújo– 8.0
The Brazil international was steady at the back and spectacular in assisting for the equaliser.
When the match resumed, the former La Liga star was again solid and offered real command of his zone.
Milos Kerkez – 6.0
The Hungarian international was caught too high and unable to get to the goal side for the opening goal.
After the break, the exciting full-back was a little less impactful as he held his nerve when needed.
Subbed – 87 mins
Jérémy Jacquet – 8.0
The France under-21 international was solid and assertive before and after the goal as the whole backline failed to cover the attack which led to the game’s opener.
In the second half, the exciting prodigy was unruffled and cleared his lines expertly.
Man of the Match
Virgil van Dijk – 8.0
The captain and leader of this team was a little flat-footed for the opening goal, though space was too open ahead of him.
After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was keen to clear lines and push his team over the line.
Alexis Mac Allister – 8.0
The Argentina international was the deeper of the double pivot and only when he emptied the middle did the space open up for the opening goal.
After the intermission, the midfield man was the perfect man placed to score the goal which gave his team the lead.
Subbed – 69 mins
Dominik Szoboszlai – 8.0
The Hungarian international was lively and full of running as the strong part of his game perhaps needed more control in the double pivot. The equaliser was born from hard work and relentless play as he slotted the ball beyond Oblak.
When the match resumed, the former Bundesliga star was more restrained and chose his movements forward more carefully.
Florian Wirtz – 6.0
The attacking midfielder was very unlucky not to score from close range as he tried to stamp his authority on the game.
After the restart, the former Bayer Leverkusen man was able to offer moments as he tried to infiltrate a well-drilled opponent.
Alexander Isak – 7.0
The Sweden international was keen to add movement and work rate in equal measure as he drove forward with real endeavour.
In the second half, the former Newcastle attacker was able to assist the Mac Allister goal and was always a threat.
Subbed – 87 mins
Rio Ngumoha – 6.0
The English winger was lively yet limited, as anything good was always built upon cutting inside.
After the break, the prodigy was a little peripheral as the game swung from end to end.
Subbed – 59 mins
Bradley Barcola – 6.0
The French player was unlucky with a shot from the angle and always worked at either end of the pitch as he adjusted to the right-hand side.
After the intermission, the former PSG man was unlucky with the suspected calf issue.
Subbed – 69 mins
Substitutions;
Jeremie Frimpong – 6.0 (on 59)
Came on to add more vertical running.
Víctor Muñoz – 7.0 (on 59)
Came on to add chaos.
Ryan Gravenberch – 5.0 (on 69)
Came on to offer fresh legs.
Lewis Koumas – 6.0 (on 87)
Came on to offer energy.
Kostas Tsimikas – 6.0 (on 87)
Came on to offer energy.
The Manager;
Andoni Iraola – 8.0
The starting lineup was adjusted with Gakpo rested as a precaution.
The second-half substitutes were required to give more energy in a fast-paced game.
Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;
Liverpool 2 – 1 Atletico Madrid
