Under the lights on a Champions League night, drama is a guarantee. And once again, Anfield delivered. Liverpool edged Atletico Madrid 3-2 in a pulsating league phase clash, with Virgil van Dijk’s towering header in stoppage time sealing a victory that had everything: goals, chaos, and a red card for Diego Simeone.
Salah’s lightning start
It took Liverpool just six minutes to get off the mark. Mohamed Salah, with his usual blend of guile and instinct, whipped in a free-kick that deflected off Andy Robertson and wrong-footed Jan Oblak. Four minutes later, Salah made it two. Skipping past defenders and finishing coolly, he sent Anfield into early celebration mode.
Atletico struck back on the brink of halftime. Giacomo Raspadori’s clever run drew Liverpool’s defense, and he squared it to Marcos Llorente, who tucked it past Alisson via a slight Konaté deflection.
A tense second half
Alexander Isak made his Liverpool debut, showing flashes of promise, but was withdrawn after 58 minutes for Hugo Ekitike. Arne Slot’s midfield reshuffle brought Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley into the mix, pushing Szoboszlai further forward.
Liverpool kept probing. A flowing counter saw Szoboszlai, Ekitike, and Wirtz combine to set up Salah, but his effort smashed off the post.
Shortly after, Florian Wirtz — enjoying his best game in red — was subbed off for Rio Ngumoha, the 17-year-old wonderkid who continues to rise.
Llorente stuns Anfield again
Just as Liverpool appeared in control, Marcos Llorente did it again.
The Spaniard latched onto a loose ball in the box and thumped home a low shot to make it 2-2 in the 81st minute — his second of the night, and fourth career goal at Anfield.
Captain clutch: Van Dijk’s late winner
As the match edged toward a draw, Liverpool earned a late corner in the 92nd minute. Szoboszlai delivered a pinpoint outswinger. Virgil van Dijk rose highest and thundered a header past Oblak.
Cue bedlam.
Diego Simeone lost his temper in the aftermath and was shown a red card for clashing with the crowd. He had to be dragged down the tunnel as Anfield roared.
Ekitike’s big miss
There was still time for one more moment. Salah found Ekitike unmarked in the six-yard box, but the Frenchman blazed over from point-blank range.
It didn’t matter. The final whistle blew moments later. Anfield erupted.
Liverpool 3-2 Atletico Madrid: Van Dijk scores stoppage-time winner in Champions League thriller
