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Liverpool’s Champions League opener at Anfield was never short of drama. The Reds looked to be coasting after a dream start, were pegged back by a resilient Atletico Madrid, and then pulled out yet another stoppage-time winner. This time it was captain Virgil van Dijk who rose highest in the 92nd minute to secure a pulsating 3-2 victory in front of the Kop.
Lightning Start Stuns Atletico
The atmosphere was electric before kick-off and it did not take long for Liverpool to feed off that energy. Arne Slot’s side made three changes from the weekend win at Burnley, with Alexander Isak handed a debut, Andy Robertson returning at left-back, and Jeremie Frimpong starting on the right.
Barely four minutes had passed when fortune smiled on the Reds. Mohamed Salah’s whipped free-kick flicked off Robertson’s calf and wrong-footed Jan Oblak to give Liverpool the lead. The celebrations had barely settled when Salah doubled the advantage with a moment of pure quality. Collecting a neat one-two with Ryan Gravenberch, the Egyptian glided into the box and slotted the ball into the far corner with his usual composure.
In the space of six minutes, Liverpool had a two-goal cushion and Anfield was rocking. Salah, now the outright 10th top scorer in Champions League history with 52 goals, nearly grabbed another soon after but curled just wide.
Isak, eager to impress on his debut, showed flashes of the class that persuaded Liverpool to bring him in. He linked well with Florian Wirtz and twice tested the Atletico defence, although Oblak was not seriously threatened.
Llorente Pulls Atletico Back
For much of the half, Atletico struggled to make an impression. Diego Simeone’s men looked flat, unable to cope with Liverpool’s pressing and quick passing. Yet just before the break, they found a lifeline.
A rare forward burst ended with Marcos Llorente poking the ball past Alisson from close range. It was a blow for Liverpool, who had dominated the first half and looked set to take a two-goal lead into the interval. Instead, Atletico had halved the deficit and gained belief.
Atletico Fight Back in the Second Half
The visitors came out stronger after the restart. Giacomo Raspadori forced Alisson into a sharp save, reminding the Reds that Atletico were not going to fold easily.
Arne Slot made a triple substitution before the hour mark, withdrawing Isak after an encouraging debut. Hugo Ekitike, Alexis Mac Allister, and Conor Bradley came on to inject fresh energy.
Liverpool still created the better chances. Salah almost added a third at the end of a sweeping move involving Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai, only to see his strike cannon off the inside of the post. It was agonisingly close. Moments later, Ekitike nearly marked his introduction with a goal but failed to connect properly with Salah’s cross.
Those misses would prove costly. With less than ten minutes to go, Llorente struck again. His volley from the edge of the area clipped off Mac Allister and wrong-footed Alisson, flying into the net. Atletico’s celebrations were wild, and the game seemed destined to end in a draw.
Another Late Anfield Twist
But Liverpool under Slot have made a habit of late drama. For the fifth game in a row, they found a way to win deep into stoppage time.
The decisive moment came in the 92nd minute. Szoboszlai whipped a corner toward the penalty spot, and Van Dijk towered above the Atletico defenders. The captain met the ball perfectly, powering his header into the net. Anfield erupted, the Kop shaking with joy as Van Dijk sprinted to the corner flag with his teammates in pursuit.
It was a captain’s moment, and one that set the tone for Liverpool’s Champions League campaign.
What the Win Means
The victory gives Liverpool three points in their opening league-phase game and underlines their growing reputation as masters of late drama. Slot’s men have shown a remarkable ability to dig deep, no matter the circumstances. This resilience has been the hallmark of their early season form.
For Van Dijk, the goal was a reminder of his value not only as a leader at the back but also as a weapon in the opposition penalty area. His towering presence can change games, and once again it proved decisive.
Salah’s influence also cannot be understated. His early goal and relentless threat gave Liverpool control of the game, while his movement continued to stretch Atletico even when they found their way back into the contest. With 52 Champions League goals, Salah is carving out a legacy among the competition’s greats.
Isak’s Encouraging Debut
Much of the pre-match focus was on Alexander Isak, and while he did not score, he showed why Liverpool were so keen to bring him in. His link-up play with Wirtz was sharp, his movement unsettled Atletico’s defence, and he had a couple of chances that hinted at what is to come.
Slot’s decision to substitute him after 58 minutes was pragmatic, ensuring the debutant was not overextended. With more time to adapt to Liverpool’s system, Isak looks set to be a key figure this season.
Atletico’s Resilience
While Liverpool ultimately took the points, Atletico once again showed their knack for staying alive in tough situations. Llorente was their standout performer, scoring twice and driving his team forward when they needed inspiration. Simeone’s side may not have left with a result, but they will feel encouraged that they could trouble Liverpool at Anfield.
The Bigger Picture
Liverpool’s start to the season has been defined by character and late heroics. From Burnley to now Atletico, they have made a habit of scoring in the dying moments. While fans may prefer a calmer path to victory, these dramatic endings are building momentum and belief.
Slot’s philosophy of fast, attacking football combined with grit is quickly winning over supporters. The integration of new signings like Isak and Wirtz suggests the squad is evolving, but the core identity of Liverpool as fighters who never give up remains intact.
Looking ahead, this win gives the Reds a crucial edge in a competitive Champions League group. Points at home are vital, and beating a seasoned European side like Atletico is a statement.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid will be remembered not just for the scoreline but for the way it unfolded. A flying start, a fightback, missed chances, and finally a stoppage-time winner from their captain. It was classic Anfield drama.
For Slot, it was further proof that his team has the steel to go far in Europe. For the fans, it was another unforgettable night under the lights. And for Van Dijk, it was the perfect way to mark his leadership with a goal that may just set the tone for another memorable Champions League campaign.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com