Virgil van Dijk was the hero at Anfield as his stoppage-time header secured Liverpool a thrilling 3-2 win over Atlético Madrid in their Champions League opener on Wednesday night. Softfootball reported in the game’s preview that the reresult was expected to be tight and even predicted a 2-1 scoreline in favour of Liverpool, and with the game tied at 2-2, Van Dijk wasn’t interested in leaving Anfield without maximum points. The Dutchman rose highest in the 92nd minute to nod home Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner, clinching Liverpool’s fifth victory of the season courtesy of a goal beyond the 83rd minute.
Arne Slot’s men exploded out of the blocks, with Mohamed Salah setting the tone early. His deflected free-kick ricocheted off Andy Robertson and wrong-footed Jan Oblak to put the Reds in front. Minutes later, Salah doubled the lead in trademark style, gliding past defenders after a slick one-two with Ryan Gravenberch before burying his finish to reach 250 goals in English club football.
Mohammed Salah became a part of Champions League history today, with Liverpool revealing via their official X account that the Egyptian king is the first player to achieve a goal and assist in the first six minutes of the tournament.
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Liverpool could have tightened their grip when the referee controversially awarded a penalty against Clément Lenglet for handball, but VAR swiftly overturned the decision. As Arne Slot promised, Liverpool’s new signing, Alexander Isak, making his much-anticipated debut following a record £125 million transfer, spurned two chances to extend the advantage. Atlético, who had looked rattled, hit back on the stroke of halftime when Marcos Llorente slotted home after exploiting Liverpool’s defensive lapses.
The visitors grew into the contest after the break, with Giacomo Raspadori and Llorente both threatening. Salah almost restored the cushion with a fierce effort that struck the post, but Atlético capitalised instead. Llorente volleyed home in the 81st minute, his shot deflecting heavily off Robertson to beat Alisson and spark celebrations on the away bench.
Just as it seemed Diego Simeone’s side had rescued a point, Liverpool found a way yet again. Van Dijk powered home the decisive header, sending Anfield into raptures. Simeone’s fury boiled over in the aftermath, earning him a red card as Liverpool extended their unbeaten home run in European group or league phase matches to 15.
