Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time header secured Liverpool a 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid after Marcos Llorente’s double threatened to spoil their Champions League opener.
Liverpool produced yet another dramatic finale at Anfield as Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time header earned a 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in their opening Champions League group-stage clash.
The hosts raced into an early lead, with Mohamed Salah’s free-kick deflecting off Andrew Robertson after four minutes before the Egyptian doubled the advantage with a composed finish from Ryan Gravenberch’s pass two minutes later.
Atletico responded through Marcos Llorente, who struck in first-half injury time after Giacomo Raspadori’s assist. Despite Liverpool’s dominance, including Salah hitting the post after neat play from Florian Wirtz, Llorente equalised again on 81 minutes when his volley deflected off Alexis Mac Allister.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot introduced £125m record signing Alexander Isak for his debut, though the forward was withdrawn after 58 minutes. The late drama came when Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner found Van Dijk, who rose to power home a header in front of a jubilant Kop on 90+2 minutes.
In the aftermath, Atletico coach Diego Simeone was sent off following an altercation near his technical area.
Slot will be concerned by his side’s inability to protect two-goal leads, having shown similar lapses in the Premier League, but once again Liverpool’s resilience and quality told. Gravenberch impressed in midfield, while Salah proved decisive in attack.
Liverpool now turn to Saturday’s Merseyside derby against Everton before hosting Southampton in the Carabao Cup.