Champions League: Group B
Stadium: Wanda Meropolitano
The Reds returned to UEFA Champions League action on Tuesday evening (UK time) at a ground that needs no introduction to the visitors or their fans. The Wanda Metropolitano is the famed ground that saw Liverpool FC triumph over Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League final of 2019. Also, the less fondly remembered knockout the following year. A bittersweet location, but mainly sweet of course. Read on for Atletico Madrid 2-3 Liverpool FC: final words
Taking on hosts Atletico Madrid would be no easy task, Diego Simeone’s side is notoriously difficult to break down. Not to mention, they are currently the champions of LaLiga Santander, so confidence would be high for the home side. It would prove to be a blockbuster event that saw red cards, penalties and overturned VAR decisions. A spectacular event for neutral viewers and a nail-biting affair for supporters of the two sides. Ultimately, it was Liverpool FC who would walk away victors on the final whistle.
Image source: Liverpool FC
First Half
An early strike from Mohammed Salah was aided by generous deflection found its way into the back of the net and was shortly followed by a wonder volley from Naby Keita on the thirteenth minute gave Liverpool FC an early cushion. The hosts wasted no time, however, in clawing back with two goals from Antoine Griezmann. Not before long, the scoreline was balanced. Alisson’s services were required on several occasions to deny attempts from Thomas Lemar and Joao Felix, helping to keep the score 2-2 at the break.
Image source: INews
Second Half
The drama did not stop there mind as the second half got underway Referee Daniel Sieburt showed Griezmann a straight red card for a raised boot to the face of Roberto Firmino, who was not injured, thankfully. Although some will call the decision harsh as there was no malice on behalf of the Frenchman but offences of this nature will normally result in a sending off for a raised boot. Atletico were reduced to ten men with their primary goal threat being sent off.
It was not long before Diogo Jota was brought down in the opposition’s penalty area by Mario Hermoso. Salah extended his impressive goal tally for this season by calmly slotting the ball past Jan Oblak, sending the Slovenian keeper the wrong way in the process. Diogo Jota was soon involved in another penalty call on the other side of the pitch after bringing down Jose Giminez. However, referee Daniel Sieburt overturned the decision after reviewing the incident on the pitch-side monitor.
The score was Atletico Madrid 2-3 Liverpol FC on the final whistle.
Final Words
Proving to be a result defined by controversial refereeing decisions, Liverpool FC will pat themselves on the back for managing to earn the full fruits of their labour, all three points. It was a hard-earned victory nonetheless as Atletico Madrid had ample opportunities to turn the scoreline in their favour. Liverpool can rest easy that the toughest away game in their group ended in their favour.
Jurgen Klopp was in support of the refereeing decisions throughout the game, check out his fill post-match interview by clicking here.
Unsurprisingly, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone was critical of the decisions that went against his team, you can see his post-match interview by clicking here.
The Reds now look on to the weekend fixture as they travel to Old Trafford to take on arch-rivals Manchester United who have a hungry Cristiano Ronaldo chomping at the bit.
