UCL: Liverpool's Thrilling 3-2 Win Over Atletico Madrid
Liverpool's Champions League campaign gets off to a winning start as they defeat Atletico Madrid 3-2. Read more about the match.
Liverpool's match against Atletico Madrid got off to a flying start, with the Reds scoring two goals within the first six minutes...
Liverpool continued their flawless start to the season with a heart-stopping 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid in their Champions League opener. Virgil van Dijk scored a dramatic stoppage-time header, securing the Reds' 15th successive victory in home European group or league phase matches. The match got off to a flying start, with Andy Robertson scoring his 50th Liverpool goal after deflecting Mohamed Salah's free-kick into the net in the 4th minute. Just two minutes later, Salah doubled the lead with a trademark finish, slaloming through the Atletico defense to score.
Atletico Madrid staged a remarkable comeback, with Marcos Llorente pulling a goal back in first-half stoppage time and then equalizing with a stunning volley in the 81st minute. However, their celebrations were short-lived, as Van Dijk rose highest to head home the winner in the 92nd minute, showcasing his clutch gene once again. This win marked another impressive performance by Liverpool, who have now scored the winning goal in the 83rd minute or later in each of their last five games.
Arne Slot's lineup saw debutant Alexander Isak start alongside Mohamed Salah, but the Swedish striker was largely shut out by the Atletico defense. Despite Isak's quiet game, Liverpool's depth and quality ultimately paid off, with Van Dijk's winner sparking celebrations at Anfield.
Liverpool's match against Atletico Madrid got off to a flying start, with the Reds scoring two goals within the first six minutes. The opening goal was a clever free-kick from Mohamed Salah that deflected off Andy Robertson, finding its way past Jan Oblak and marking the Scot's first European goal in nearly six years.
The second goal showcased Salah's exceptional skill, as he made a trademark run through the Atletico defense after exchanging passes with Ryan Gravenberch. With precision and finesse, Salah dispatched a sublime strike past Oblak, leaving the away side reeling. This impressive goal marked Salah's 250th English club goal, solidifying his position as one of the Premier League's top scorers.
Liverpool thought they'd sealed a penalty when Clement Lenglet was called for handball in blocking Jeremie Frimpong's cross, but VAR intervened and overturned the decision, much to Atletico Madrid's relief.
Atletico Madrid's fortunes changed dramatically just before halftime when Marcos Llorente scored a stunning goal, halving the deficit and exposing Liverpool's defensive vulnerabilities. This came after Alexander Isak missed two promising chances to extend Liverpool's lead in open play.
Liverpool fans inside Anfield might have felt a sense of déjà vu as Atletico Madrid pushed for a comeback. Memories of March 2020, when Atletico last beat Liverpool after the Reds led at halftime, likely crossed their minds. Giacomo Raspadori's angled shot was well saved by Alisson, but Atletico's growing belief in a comeback was palpable.
In a pivotal moment, Mohamed Salah had a chance to snuff out Atletico's hopes with a rapid counter-attack. However, his shot hit the post, leaving the Reds vulnerable and Atletico's fans sensing an opportunity. The match was far from over, with both teams creating chances and the outcome hanging precariously in the balance.
Mohamed Salah was instrumental in Liverpool's attacking plays, showcasing his skill and creativity on the field. However, Atletico Madrid, led by Diego Simeone, posed a significant threat, with Marcos Llorente's looping effort narrowly sailing over the target. This served as a warning to Liverpool, but they failed to heed it, and Llorente capitalized on their mistake, scoring a volley that deflected off Andy Robertson. The goal sparked jubilant celebrations among the Atletico Madrid players and staff.
Atletico Madrid thought they might secure a point, but Virgil van Dijk had other plans. The Liverpool defender headed home Dominik Szoboszlai's corner in front of the Kop, sending the stands into delirium and the touchline into chaos. The dramatic turn of events also saw a furious Diego Simeone being sent off, adding to the intensity of the match's final moments.
Van Dijk the hero at Anfield 💪🔴#UCL pic.twitter.com/lqSJEpjbHu
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 17, 2025
Match Highlights:
Liverpool's Dominant Start: Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah scored within the first six minutes, giving Liverpool a 2-0 lead.
Atletico's Fightback: Marcos Llorente scored a brace, including a stunning volley, to level the match at 2-2.
Van Dijk's Winner: Virgil van Dijk scored a dramatic stoppage-time header to seal the win for Liverpool.
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