Barcola exits with cramps against Atlético, Liverpool breathes easy before international break

Bradley Barcola left the pitch prematurely at Anfield during Liverpool’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid, but manager Andoni Iraola allayed fears in his post-match press conference: “It was just cramps”.

Started just five days after his debut in a Liverpool shirt, the 24-year-old French international deputized for Cody Gakpo, who was rested due to an adductor issue. His performance was mixed: he was active defensively from the 8th minute and dangerous with his pace, but he twice failed to beat Jan Oblak (15th, 40th) before missing a one-on-one chance after the restart (49th).

Before the hour mark, Barcola collapsed while holding his calf, forcing the medical staff to intervene. The incident immediately worried supporters, especially with Zinédine Zidane’s first France squad list expected in nine days. The alarm proved unfounded: the forward avoided a trip to the treatment room.

On the pitch, Liverpool overturned Atlético thanks to goals from Dominik Szoboszlai, who equalized just before half-time after Marcos Llorente’s opener (15th), and Alexis Mac Allister shortly after the restart. The Reds won at home and picked up three crucial points in the league phase.