Virgil van Dijk scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Liverpool edged Atletico Madrid 3-2 in their Champions League opener at Anfield, a result that also ignited heated scenes between Atletico boss Diego Simeone and sections of the home crowd on Wednesday night.
The decisive moment came in the 92nd minute when Van Dijk rose highest to head in from a corner, sealing victory for the Reds after Atletico had clawed their way back from two goals down through a brace from Marcos Llorente.
Simeone’s frustration spilled over at full time, as he appeared to confront Liverpool supporters and was subsequently shown a red card by Italian referee Maurizio Mariani. The Argentine coach seemed to be pointing out one fan in particular for removal even as tensions flared around him.
Liverpool had made a blistering start, scoring twice inside the opening six minutes. Mohamed Salah saw his free-kick deflect off Andy Robertson and into the net, before the Egyptian doubled the lead moments later by finishing off a pass from Ryan Gravenberch after powering through Atletico’s defense.
Salah, who has found himself overshadowed at times by Liverpool’s new-look forward line of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and record signing Alexander Isak, was back in vintage form, combining speed, skill, and composure. He nearly completed a hat-trick with a brilliant run, only to see his shot strike the inside of the post.
Isak, making his first Liverpool appearance since a £125 million move from Newcastle, showed glimpses of promise but struggled for sharpness after missing pre-season. He lasted less than an hour and was replaced after setting up Wirtz for a chance that Jeremie Frimpong failed to convert.
Atletico, despite their poor start to the La Liga season with just one win from four, refused to crumble. Against the run of play, they found hope on the stroke of half-time when Llorente struck into the far corner.
Liverpool continued to push after the break but wasted opportunities to put the game to bed. Atletico punished them when Llorente equalised again on 81 minutes, his volley taking a deflection off Alexis Mac Allister to wrong-foot Alisson Becker.
For a moment, history seemed ready to repeat itself. Llorente had been the hero for Atletico in 2020 when they stunned Liverpool at Anfield with a comeback win. But this time, Liverpool found a response.
With the clock ticking deep into stoppage time, Szoboszlai delivered a precise corner and Van Dijk, inexplicably left unmarked, powered home a header to settle the contest. The Dutchman’s goal secured Liverpool’s fifth straight win across Premier League and Champions League matches, each clinched with a strike after the 80th minute.
Atletico’s defensive frailties remain a shadow of their former identity under Simeone, whose most successful sides were defined by discipline and organisation. Instead, they collapsed at the death, leaving their coach fuming and ultimately dismissed as Liverpool celebrated.
What you should know
Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time goal gave Liverpool a 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Mohamed Salah scored twice early on, Marcos Llorente equalised with a double, but Atletico’s defense faltered late. Diego Simeone was sent off after clashing with Liverpool fans following the dramatic finish.
