UCL: Virgil Van Dijk To The Rescue As Liverpool Edge Out Atletico Madrid In Thriller

Last Updated:September 18, 2025, 08:49 IST

Strikes from Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah were cancelled out by a Marcus Llorente brace, but Virgil Van Dijk rescued Arne Slot and Co. with a stoppage-time winner.

Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Premier League champions Liverpool began their UEFA Champions League 2025/26 quest with yet another dramatic win, to add to their string of late winners, against Atletico Madrid on Thursday at Anfield.

Strikes from Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah were cancelled out by a second-half brace from Marcus Llorente, but Virgil Van Dijk rescued Arne Slot and Co. with a stoppage-time winner.

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Simeone received a red card following Van Dijk’s 92nd-minute header, which came after his team had leveled the score from a 2-0 deficit, courtesy of two goals from Marcos Llorente.

Liverpool seemed poised for an easy victory over the struggling Spanish giants, having scored twice in the first six minutes.

Mohamed Salah outshone Alexander Isak in his debut Liverpool start, with his free-kick deflecting off Andy Robertson before the Egyptian scored himself.

Llorente had been Liverpool’s nemesis five years ago when Atletico overturned a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 at Anfield in a controversial last-16 match.

History seemed to be repeating itself until Liverpool secured a late winner, igniting tension between the home fans and the visiting manager.

Even after being shown a red card by Italian referee Maurizio Mariani, Simeone appeared to be calling for the removal of a particular fan.

“In the same way we fight against racism, we should address this because we don’t have a right to respond, and it’s not easy to be insulted throughout the match," said Simeone. “My reaction isn’t justifiable, but do you know what it’s like to be insulted for 90 minutes?"

Liverpool have now won all five of their opening Premier League and Champions League games with goals scored after the 80th minute.

However, Arne Slot was disappointed not to have secured the three points earlier despite a strong start.

“A game like this should not have come down to a late winner," said the Dutch coach. “I understand that’s the story of this game and the last five games, but for me, it is different from the previous ones. We had many great attacks today where we could have scored the third goal."

– Salah on song –

Isak made his debut as the most expensive player in English football history following his £125 million ($170 million) move from Newcastle.

Liverpool’s trio of big-money forward signings, including Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, has sometimes left Salah on the sidelines early in the season.

But Salah was back to his best on Wednesday.

Robertson knew little about his goal as Salah’s free-kick hit the Scotland captain, wrong-footing Jan Oblak.

Moments later, Salah displayed his speed, strength, and quick feet to evade three Atletico challenges and score from Ryan Gravenberch’s pass.

Salah nearly achieved a stunning third after being sent clear by Wirtz’s through ball as Liverpool seemed ready to dominate.

Atletico has had a tough start to the season, winning just one of their first four La Liga matches.

Against the run of play, the visitors found hope in first-half stoppage time when Llorente’s shot reached the far corner.

Liverpool nearly regretted missing multiple chances to secure the result before Llorente scored again.

Salah came closest, hitting the inside of the post at the end of a brilliant counter-attack involving Wirtz, Ekitike, and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Despite their flawless Premier League record so far, Liverpool’s vulnerabilities have been exposed following a significant summer squad overhaul after last season’s title win.

Including the Community Shield defeat by Crystal Palace, Slot’s team has conceded two or more goals in four of their first six matches.

Atletico’s equaliser had some luck as Llorente’s volley deflected off Alexis Mac Allister, leaving Alisson Becker helpless in the 81st minute.

However, the solid defensive organisation seen in Simeone’s best Atletico sides was missing, and they could not withstand Liverpool’s pressure.

Van Dijk was left unmarked to power in Szoboszlai’s corner, leading to the Argentine manager’s outburst.

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