ANFIELD, Liverpool—Liverpool started their Champions League campaign with a dramatic late victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield, as Virgil van Dijk scored a stoppage-time winner to secure a 3-2 win.
The match provided an immediate and thrilling introduction for new Liverpool signing Alexander Isak, though it was established star Mohamed Salah who provided the early inspiration. Liverpool raced to a 2-0 lead inside the first six minutes. Salah’s free-kick deflected off Andrew Robertson to wrong-foot Atletico keeper Jan Oblak for the opener, before Salah himself sAcored a smooth finish after a sharp exchange with Ryan Gravenberch.
Atletico, however, fought back. Marcos Llorente scored just before half-time to halve the deficit and then struck again with a deflected volley nine minutes from time, levelling the match.
Despite the setback, Liverpool were not to be denied. Just as they have in their four Premier League wins this season, they found a way to win in the dying moments. Van Dijk rose to head home a corner in front of a jubilant home crowd, sending Anfield into a frenzy.
The chaotic conclusion saw Atletico coach Diego Simeone shown a red card after an altercation with supporters. The loss was a painful one for Atletico, especially for Llorente, who had previously scored twice in a Champions League win at Anfield in 2020.
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