Liverpool came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at Anfield, goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister overturning Marcos Llorente's opener to give Andoni Iraola's side a winning start to their Champions League campaign. The head coach praised his players' response after a difficult opening period.
"I think today I have to blame myself a little bit for the start of the game. I think Atlético has used a structure that they haven't used before this season and it has cost us a little bit to match up properly," Iraola said.
"Until we conceded the goal and we've had a couple of minutes where we've adjusted things, and then we match up much better.
"It was the moment where we started playing better. In the second half I think we were the best team. I think the players have shown big character — big character. Also, the crowd has helped us massively in the second half."
Iraola was pleased to see goals arrive from midfield.
"Lovely goal from Alexis, lovely from Dom Szoboszlai. I think it's good also that midfielders can add goals because we have midfielders that naturally are going to arrive to the box," he said. "It's good that we can also benefit offensively from those situations where they arrive to the box."
Reflecting on his first Champions League night in charge of Liverpool, Iraola described being swept up by the atmosphere once his side had turned the game around.
"Especially after the 2-1, we've had very good minutes there and we've had a couple of chances. We were pushing and you can feel the atmosphere in the stadium," he said. "The people have helped us a lot and I'm very thankful."
He singled out loan signing Ronald Araújo for special praise after the Uruguayan set up Szoboszlai's equaliser.
"I think he's been very, very good... but also sometimes because he's a centre-back we underrate his offensive side. Today he gives a great assist to Dom Szoboszlai," Iraola said. "He's come with the willingness to show that he belongs to this level, and I hope we can keep him there because he's in a lovely place."
Iraola also reflected on his side's growing habit of fighting back from behind.
"We've corrected quite well live, and this experience will help us for the next time," he said. "I think it's in four games it's three times that we've come back somehow. I think it shows that players are pushing, they are showing character and now it's a matter of getting everything cleaner and sharper."