Alexis Mac Allister scored the winning goal as Liverpool defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday, giving manager Andoni Iraola a victorious start in the competition. According to Vanguard Sports, the Argentine midfielder's performance strengthened his case for an improved contract with the club. The match marked Liverpool's opening fixture of their European campaign under Iraola, with Mac Allister's decisive strike sealing the victory over the Spanish side.

Al Jazeera previews Liverpool's Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, noting that manager Andoni Iraola aims to build on his first win in charge of the club. The match against Diego Simeone's side is described as a tough test, with the outlet offering team news and a prediction ahead of the fixture.

Argentina international Alexis Mac Allister is reportedly very sad at not being offered a new contract by Liverpool. The midfielder endured a difficult season at Anfield, though the same was true of several team-mates during the club's lacklustre defence of their Premier League title, a campaign that ultimately ended with the sacking of manager Arne Slot. The uncertainty over his future comes as Liverpool look to rebuild following a disappointing season.

Springboks winger Cheslin Kolbe suffered a broken jaw, with coach Rassie Erasmus confirming the injury, according to The South African. Kolbe's wife, Layla, addressed supporters following the news, thanking fans for their concerns and prayers and expressing her faith by saying 'God is in control'. The injury represents a setback for the Springboks, though further details on Kolbe's expected recovery timeline were not provided in the report.

Layla Kolbe has shared an emotional update from hospital after her husband, Springbok winger Cheslin Kolbe, suffered a broken jaw. Posting on social media, she wrote that "the enemy is definitely working overtime" as the rugby star faces another injury setback. The injury means Kolbe will miss South Africa's Test against the United States on Saturday, adding to a series of fitness problems that have disrupted his season, according to IOL.

Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca said on Monday that finding form early in the season "was not easy" for his players who featured at the World Cup, speaking ahead of the club's Champions League opener away to Porto. According to Vanguard Sports, Maresca agreed with striker Erling Haaland's view that players began the season tired following their international commitments over the summer.