If Liverpool made Alexis Mac Allister very, very sad, in his own words, he made Anfield very, very happy here. Andoni Iraola’s introduction to the Champions League was eventful and, eventually, enjoyable. Liverpool beat last season’s semi-finalists with a stunning goal from a World Cup winner. A day after some unexpected revelations, Mac Allister let his football do the talking, and how.
For Iraola, a first European night at Anfield offered an insight into their power. “I loved it - the atmosphere has been incredible,” the Basque said. “We have shown big character.” A comeback victory provided an uplifting end to an evening that still had its unsatisfactory elements. Liverpool’s defending in the first half presented a concern in a game that was frenetic and flawed; fractious at times, too.
