Liverpool avoided an opening-day defeat at Newcastle United after Dominik Szoboszlai converted a stoppage-time penalty to secure a 2-2 draw at St. James’ Park on Sunday.

Newcastle made a fast start, taking the lead in the fifth minute through Anthony Elanga.

Liverpool responded after halftime when Cody Gakpo found the net in the 55th minute, bringing the visitors level.

The hosts regained their advantage only two minutes later.

Elanga drove forward before setting up Joe Willock, who produced a superb long-range finish to put Newcastle back in front.

Newcastle appeared set to claim all three points until Liverpool were awarded a penalty deep into added time.

Lewis Hall was judged to have fouled debutant Víctor Muñoz inside the area, giving Liverpool a final opportunity to salvage something from the contest.

Szoboszlai kept his composure and fired the spot-kick past the goalkeeper in the ninth minute of stoppage time, sparking relief among the travelling Liverpool supporters.

The result means both managers, Matthias Jaissle of Newcastle and Andoni Iraola of Liverpool, began their league reigns with a share of the points. Liverpool showed character to fight back twice, while Newcastle will feel they came painfully close to securing victory.

The match also marked Alexander Isak’s return to Newcastle after his move to Liverpool, although the Swedish forward struggled to make a major impact against his former club.

Before kick-off, both teams paid tribute to Liverpool and Newcastle legend Kevin Keegan, who died last month aged 75.