Five Things We Learned From Liverpool's 2-1 Champions League Win Against Atletico Madrid

Liverpool played out a thrilling 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid last night under the magical lights of Anfield, but what did we learn from Andoni Iraola's first Champions League game in charge of the Reds?

The two players who stood out in this game were Mac Allister and Szoboszlai. Mac Allister has put some spotlight on himself in recent days following his press conference prior to this match, where he expressed his disappointment at not being offered a new deal at the club. But he certainly has not let that affect his on-pitch displays. When he came into the side in matchday two of the league season, he has looked exceptional, getting better and better each game. 

The Argentine has had his doubters among the fanbase after a poor season last campaign, and there are worries that he might not have the legs and energy to suit Iraola's high-intensity style of play. But so far, so good for Liverpool's number 10, and if he keeps this up, maybe a new contract at the club will be his reward. 

As for Dominik Szoboszlai, he was again, like he so often is, one of LFC's top performers against Atletico. Not only did he take his goal well, calmly slotting it past Jan Oblak from around the six-yard box, but his work off the ball is always something that catches the eye when watching him.

While yes, he and Alexis Mac Allister could have done more for Atletico Madrid's goal, his overall game, both offensively and defensively, was outstanding, with himself and the Argentine firmly establishing themselves as Andoni Iraola's number one duo for the middle of the pitch at the moment.

Despite playing just under an hour of football before leaving the field with cramps, Bradley Barcola showed in glimpses why the club pushed for his signature this summer. His pace and ability to run in behind defences are going to be incredibly valuable for Andoni Iraola this season.

But not only that; his link-up play, especially with Florian Wirtz, looks very promising, summarised by a one-two played between the duo that left Barcola through on goal. Had he not dragged his shot just wide of the post, it would have been a prime example of what fans will be hoping to see from Wirtz and Barcola in the weeks and months to come. 

And more on Florian Wirtz: he was phenomenal, a constant issue for Atletico when they were trying to build out from the back, winning the ball back high up the pitch, using that physicality that many have criticised him for since he arrived at Anfield last year. On another day, the German playmaker could have emerged from this game with a goal and a couple of assists.

If he continues to impress and improve like this, the goals and assists will come. With the addition of Barcola to the squad as well, it means Wirtz has a number of quick forwards who can receive the passes he frequently plays in behind the opposition back line. 

When the signing of Ronald Araujo was announced, there were some who were skeptical about the addition, citing his lack of game time for Barcelona and his worrying injury record. And while the latter of those may become a problem further into the season, every time he plays for the Reds, he looks solid and reliable, while also adding superb assists to his game.

He has only started two games for the club, but in both he was a standout performer, and if he can keep this up and stay fit for most of the season, at the very least, he could go down as one of the signings of the summer window. 

And the final thing we learned from this European contest was about the head coach, Andoni Iraola. He admitted after the game that he was caught out and surprised by Atletico Madrid and Diego Simeone's tactics and the way they set up against his side. 

This honesty and self-reflection from a manager or head coach is very rare, and despite it being easier for Iraola to not mention his errors and deflect the blame elsewhere, the Spanish coach came out and admitted that he made a mistake, which is really refreshing to hear.