Marcos Llorente struck again at Anfield as Atlético Madrid took a 1-0 lead over Liverpool in their Champions League opener on Wednesday night.
The goal arrived against the run of play after Liverpool had made the sharper start and threatened to break the deadlock during the opening quarter of an hour.
Julián Álvarez released Llorente with a perfectly weighted through ball, allowing the Spain international to run beyond Milos Kerkez before finishing calmly past Alisson.
Marcos Llorente continues to haunt Liverpool at Anfield
The 17th-minute strike was Llorente’s fifth Champions League goal against Liverpool at Anfield, extending a remarkable record at the stadium.
He first made his name in the fixture during the 2019-20 Champions League last-16 tie, scoring twice in extra time as Atlético overturned Liverpool’s advantage to win 3-2 and eliminate the reigning European champions.
Llorente also scored twice at Anfield in last season’s league-phase meeting, although Liverpool eventually prevailed 3-2 after Virgil van Dijk’s late winner. UEFA recorded both of his goals in that match as Atlético mounted a comeback before being denied in stoppage time. ([es.uefa.com](https://es.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/02a9-21825b93572d-731ca67a7ae8-1000–los-datos-y-estadisticas-del-liverpool-atleti-de-la-jorn/?utm_source=openai))
His latest goal came in the first Champions League match of the 2026-27 league phase, with Liverpool hosting Atlético at Anfield for the second consecutive season. The fixture kicked off at 8pm BST on Wednesday, September 9. ([liverpoolfc.com](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/liverpool-v-atletico-madrid-champions-league-ticket-details?utm_source=openai))
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola named Bradley Barcola in his starting line-up for his first start for the club, while Rio Ngumoha also came into the side. Cody Gakpo was absent and Victor Muñoz was among the substitutes. ([liverpoolfc.com](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/confirmed-liverpool-line-v-atletico-madrid-2?amp=1&utm_source=openai))
