Iraola Gives Barcola Injury Update After Liverpool’s Win Over Atletico

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola said he was relieved to learn that Bradley Barcola's injury was just cramp, after the new signing went off holding his leg during Wednesday's 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid at Anfield.

Barcola started the match but was taken off in the 60th minute. The £123 million summer signing pulled up holding his left calf after a sprint behind the Atletico defence. He needed treatment on the pitch before walking off slowly, which sparked worry among the home fans.

Iraola was seen asking Barcola what was wrong as the winger came off. Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, the manager confirmed it was nothing serious.

"It was just cramps, especially with Bradley," Iraola said. "We are rushing him, he hasn't played any minutes in pre-season, but today we decided to ask him to give everything he had. Let's see how they recover for the next one."

Barcola had two chances to score his first goal for Liverpool but missed both. Jan Oblak saved his first effort just before half time, and he put his second attempt wide after getting clean through on goal.

Liverpool had gone behind early on when Marcos Llorente ran onto a pass from Julian Alvarez and beat Alisson one-on-one. The hosts hit back through Dominik Szoboszlai, who scored from close range, before Alexis Mac Allister put them ahead with a strong strike.

Iraola admitted Atletico's setup caught his team off guard early in the match. "I think I have to take blame from the beginning because they surprised me a little bit tactically, they played a five at the back, a 5-3-2," he said. "We expected something different and waited to correct it. After half-time, we had a much better game, we pressed better, and I think we have been the better team."

He praised his players for how they turned the game around. "Difficult to ask for more. We showed character. I loved the second half. I feel lucky to experience this atmosphere," he said.