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Liverpool opened their Champions League campaign with a dramatic 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid at Anfield, thanks to a stoppage-time header from captain Virgil van Dijk. The Dutch defender rose highest in the 92nd minute to nod home a corner, sealing a thrilling victory for Arne Slot’s side in front of a roaring home crowd.
The Reds had started the game at blistering pace, racing into a two-goal lead inside six minutes. Andy Robertson opened the scoring in the fourth minute when Mohamed Salah’s free-kick deflected off him and past a stranded Jan Oblak. Just moments later, Salah produced a moment of brilliance of his own, battling past three Atletico defenders after a slick one-two with Ryan Gravenberch before calmly slotting into the far corner.
Despite Liverpool’s dominance, Atletico refused to fold. Marcos Llorente, who had famously tormented Liverpool at Anfield in 2020 with a decisive brace, struck again just before halftime to drag his side back into the contest. The Spaniard completed his double in the 81st minute with a volley that deflected past Alisson, silencing the home supporters and making it look like the game was destined to end in a draw.
But this Liverpool side has built a reputation for late goals, and once again they delivered. Just when frustration was creeping in, Van Dijk stepped up to meet a well-taken corner and powered his header past Oblak to snatch the win. The drama wasn’t over as Atletico boss Diego Simeone was shown a red card moments later after clashing with the crowd, further fueling the chaotic finish to an already heated clash.
Salah played a starring role throughout, not only scoring but also setting up chances for his teammates, including one that Robertson converted. The Egyptian almost had another goal himself when he struck the post in the second half, leaving Anfield on edge as the minutes ticked by.
Liverpool’s record signing Alexander Isak also made his debut after joining from Newcastle United for £125 million. The striker showed glimpses of his quality but couldn’t find the net, firing wide once and forcing a save from Oblak before being substituted in the second half.
The statistics reflected Liverpool’s attacking intent, with 20 shots compared to Atletico’s 10, but missed opportunities made the victory more stressful than it might have been. Robertson admitted afterward that while the result was special, the team must learn to finish games more efficiently after letting a comfortable lead slip away.
Van Dijk, however, was full of pride at his decisive moment. “We kept pushing and found a way again,” he said. “I’m glad I got the winner. It was another great European night here, and today I was the lucky one.”
Liverpool’s resilience is quickly becoming a defining trait this season. All four of their Premier League wins have come with goals in the final 10 minutes, and this Champions League opener added another late comeback to the list. For Slot, it was the perfect start to his European journey with the club, proving his side’s determination and ability to fight until the last whistle.
The night may have carried echoes of past pain with Llorente again finding the net at Anfield, but in the end Liverpool showed enough spirit and quality to claim all three points. For the fans, it was another rollercoaster evening that will be remembered for Van Dijk’s towering header and the emotion it unleashed across the stadium.