Liverpool earned the result it wanted in its first UEFA Champions League match of the 2026-27 competition, but saw a sight it didn't want to see.
Summer signing Bradley Barcloa limped off the pitch with an apparent calf injury and had to be replaced on the hour mark, with Victor Muñoz coming in for the France international.
Barcloa arrived just a few weeks ago on a transfer reportedly worth $166 million, joining Liverpool from PSG in the Reds' biggest move of the summer. But his first start with the English club was cut short because of the knock.
60’ - A double change:
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 9, 2026
➡️ Munoz, Frimpong
⬅️ Barcola, Ngumoha
[2-1] #UCL pic.twitter.com/y9bsA1FApM
Barcloa walked off the field clapping as the fans at Anfield gave him an ovation as well after a bright
start to what would end up being a 2-1 victory over Atlético Madrid.
First-year Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said after the match that he doesn't expect the injury to be anything serious.
"Just cramp," he told reporters. "He hasn’t played many minutes so let’s see how he recovers."
Liverpool stays at home for its next two matches, a Sept. 12 visit from Fulham in Premier League play and a Sept. 15 Carabao Cup contest against Tottenham Hotspur.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Liverpool's Bradley Barcola injured in first start after blockbuster transfer
