Liverpool began their 2026/27 Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Atlético Madrid at Anfield. The win comes 50 years after Liverpool’s first European Cup triumph in 1977.
Marcos Llorente opened the scoring for Atlético, but Liverpool responded with goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister. Jamie Carragher, speaking on CBS Sports via CaughtOffside, praised Liverpool’s improved second-half performance, noting a newfound compactness and teamwork that was absent in the first half. He contrasted this with last season, when Liverpool conceded 78 goals due to a lack of team cohesion, despite having Virgil van Dijk in defense.
While one victory is not enough to establish Liverpool as Champions League favorites, the timing is notable. The 2026/27 season marks the 50th anniversary of Liverpool’s 1977 European Cup win against Borussia Mönchengladbach, a 3-1 victory secured with goals from Terry McDermott, Tommy Smith, and a penalty from Phil Neal.
Despite being behind Real Madrid, Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City in the outright betting market, Liverpool’s Champions League prospects may be stronger than their Premier League chances. A consistent title challenge in the Premier League is considered unlikely due to the strength of teams like Arsenal and Manchester City, and the demands of a long season.
Read the original coverage
💬 Comments
📜 Comment Policy