Liverpool followed a familiar script in their Champions League opener vs. Atletico Madrid, scoring a late winner for the fifth time in five matches this season. This time, it was the captain Virgil van Dijk, who provided the heroics to win 3-2 after the visitors had erased a 2-0 deficit thanks to a brace from Marcos Llorente.
First Half
Liverpool got off to a flying start. The Reds earned a free kick in the 4th minute. Mohamed Salah drove the ball hard and low, deflecting off of Andy Robertson in the back of the net for a 1-0 lead. Salah doubled the advantage just two minutes later, scoring off an assist from Ryan Gravenberch.
Atletico Madrid settled into the game from that point with three corners and a pair of shots, but they could not score. Salah nearly scored in the 21st minute, but the shot was just wide. Salah forced a save just past the half-hour mark. Liverpool earned their first corner later in the half, but it was cleared. Alexander Isak also forced a pair of saves in the final 10 minutes. The visitor snatched a goal back in first-half stoppage time as Marcos Llorente scored to cut the deficit to 2-1.
Second Half
Atletico Madrid started the second half on the front foot, forcing Alisson into a save. Liverpool regained control and posed constant danger in the attacking third. Salah banged a shot off the post in the 65th minute, and Hugo Ekitiké put a shot high moments later.
Neither team could generate much of a threat over the next stretch until Llorente scored his second goal of the night on a volley to tie the match at 2-2 in the 81st minute. Liverpool, as they always seem to do this season, came up with a late game-winner. After three previous corners, the last one turned to magic as Dominik Szoboszlai found the head of captain Virgil van Dijk, whose shot beat the keeper to the corner of the net for a 3-2 lead. Alisson made a save on the final kick of the game as Liverpool was able to take all three points dramatically, 3-2.
A Word From The Captain
Van Dijk's header was the 25th headed goal he has scored in his career. That's the most of any defender that has played in Europe's top 5 leagues. Van Dijk spoke to TNT Sports after the match, concerning the back-and-forth nature of the contest.
“We kept pushing, pushing for the 3-1 and obviously to concede an equaliser, massively deflected, was obviously not great. But we found a way again, and I think we were dangerous in set-pieces. They were pretty aggressive, I must say. But I'm glad I got the winner. But eventually, you have to keep going and show the resilience that we have been showing throughout many years. It was another great European night here at Anfield."
Facts & Figures
Here is a look at Liverpool's game-winners so far this season, with 3 of the 5 coming in stoppage time
88' vs Bournemouth
90+10' vs Newcastle
83' vs Arsenal
90+5' vs Burnley
90+2' vs Atletico Madrid
Salah now has 52 Champions League goals, good enough for 10th all-time, passing Thierry Henry. Rio Ngumoha becomes the youngest-ever Reds player to appear in a Champions League match.
Happy Birthday Boss
Arne Slot grandly celebrated his 47th birthday thanks to van Dijk's winner. This is the second straight birthday he has coached the Reds to victory in the Champions League.
“It's the second year in a row I had to celebrate my birthday on a Champions League night – and the second time in a row the players gave me a nice present because we won them both,” Slot said. I would like to ask UEFA if next year I can celebrate my birthday with my friends and family! Another great night here at Anfield. I think this is what the format is about, what UEFA probably wanted; to have already a first game in the group stage that could have been a quarter-final, semi-final [or] last-16 game. That's also what you saw today – us playing really well, getting a lot of chances to finish the game off earlier and then you face a mentality team like Atletico. They always find a way to come back into the game, and that's what they did. The good thing for us is we have the same mentality.”
LFC Globe Verdict
How long can we keep this up? Late winners in football are supposed to be a rarity, but Liverpool are making them commonplace. And it's not just one superstar doing the heavy lifting. In fact, in 6 games this season, including the Community Shield, Liverpool have had 10 different players find the back of the net. Now that's balance. The scary part is, I don't think Liverpool have played their best football yet. When they do, look out.
Man Of The Match
I chose Mohamed Salah. Yes, I know Virgil had the game-winner, but the Egyptian King was inches away from a hat trick. His first shot deflected off Andy Robertson, and then he hit the post on a potential third goal.
What's Next
Liverpool return to EPL action on September 20th for the Merseyside Derby at Anfield.
Goals
Liverpool
1. Andy Robertson 4'
2. Mohamed Salah 6'
3. Virgil van Dijk 90+'
Atletico Madrid
- Marcos Llorente 45+'
- Marcos Llorente 81'
Substitutes
Liverpool
- Alexis MacAllister for Cody Gakpo 58'
- Hugo Ekitiké for Alexander Isak 58'
- Conor Bradley for Jeremie Frimpong 58'
- Rio Ngumoha for Florian Wirtz 74'
- Milos Kerkez for Andy Robertson 86'
Atletico Madrid
- Koke for Giacomo Raspadori 53'
- Nahuel Molina for Conor Gallagher 61'
- Alexander Sorloth for Antoine Griezmann 61'
- Marc Pubill for Nicolas Gonzalez 77'