Key Takeaways:
- Liverpool secured a 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield in the Champions League last night
- Alexander Isak made his Liverpool debut, starting as centre forward in place of Hugo Ekitike
- Virgil van Dijk delivered the winning goal with a header in the 92nd minute
Match Overview
Liverpool continued their flawless start to the season by defeating Atletico Madrid 3-2 in a gripping Champions League encounter at Anfield. The Merseyside club, who have won all their Premier League fixtures so far, replicated their league form on the European stage. Liverpool stormed into an early lead, scoring twice within the opening six minutes. Andrew Robertson capitalised on Mohamed Salah’s delivery to open the scoring, before Salah himself found the net to double the home side’s advantage.
Virgil van Dijk scored a 92nd-minute winner in Liverpool's opening Champions League match against Atletico Madrid ⏰
Mo Salah and Andy Robertson were also on the scoresheet. pic.twitter.com/BevTm3yjgR
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 17, 2025
The hosts squandered multiple chances thereafter, which allowed Atletico Madrid to regain composure. Marcos Llorente halved the deficit just before the interval. Following the restart, Arne Slot’s team continued to threaten, with Salah striking the woodwork. After sustained pressure, Llorente levelled proceedings in the 81st minute with a deflected effort. The match appeared destined for a draw until Virgil van Dijk headed home in added time, securing Liverpool’s victory.
Line-ups and Tactical Adjustments
Arne Slot implemented three changes to the side that defeated Burnley, including handing a debut to record signing Alexander Isak, who replaced Hugo Ekitike up front. Jeremie Frimpong and Andrew Robertson were also recalled, with Alexis Mac Allister and Milos Kerkez moving to the bench. This reshuffle saw Dominik Szoboszlai return to midfield, having previously played at right-back.
For Atletico Madrid, Diego Simeone brought Giacomo Raspadori into the starting eleven due to Julian Alvarez’s injury absence. Conor Gallagher was restored to central midfield, while Javi Galan started at left-back.
| Liverpool Line-up Changes | Atletico Madrid Line-up Changes |
|---|---|
| Alexander Isak replaced Hugo Ekitike (debut) | Giacomo Raspadori started for the injured Julian Alvarez |
| Jeremie Frimpong started for Alexis Mac Allister | Conor Gallagher returned to central midfield |
| Andrew Robertson started for Milos Kerkez | Javi Galan started at left-back |
Key Moments as Liverpool Strike Early
Liverpool asserted dominance from the outset, pressing high and forcing Atletico deep. In the fourth minute, Salah’s free kick was diverted by Robertson—potentially with a slight deflection from Barrios—giving Liverpool an early lead credited to the Scottish defender. Merely two minutes later, a brilliant move between Salah and Gravenberch saw Salah cut through the opposition defense and score Liverpool’s second.
These two early goals marked the seventh occasion in Champions League history where a side held a two-goal advantage within the first six minutes. This was the first such instance for Liverpool, and Salah became the inaugural player to both score and assist within the opening six minutes for an English club in the competition.
First Half Reactions and Missed Opportunities
Atletico, spurred on by Simeone, attempted to push higher up the pitch but made little impact until midway through the half. Liverpool’s Alexander Isak, eager to impress on his debut, was involved in several attacking moves but was met by stern defending and alert goalkeeping from Jan Oblak. Notably, a penalty awarded to Liverpool in the 35th minute was overturned after a VAR review.
Late in the first period, Raspadori set up Llorente whose shot found the bottom corner, reducing the deficit to 2-1. Although Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson protested for offside interference by Griezmann, the goal stood.
Second Half: Momentum Shifts and Substitutions
Atletico began the second half brightly, but failed to break through Liverpool’s defensive structure. The hosts responded with attacking changes in the 58th minute, bringing on Bradley, Mac Allister, and Ekitike for Isak, Frimpong, and Gakpo. Liverpool’s pressure mounted as Salah struck the post in the 65th minute, but Atletico weathered the storm.
A slice of fortune allowed Atletico to draw level in the 81st minute, when Llorente’s volley deflected off Mac Allister and found the net. Liverpool’s appeals for penalties were consistently turned down as tensions rose inside Anfield.
Late Drama and Decisive Goal
In the 92nd minute, Van Dijk, under pressure from Le Normand, rose highest to nod in Szoboszlai’s cross—clinching victory for Liverpool. The aftermath saw Diego Simeone sent off following an altercation with home supporters. Ekitike squandered a golden late opportunity for a fourth, and Alisson preserved the lead with a crucial stop from Sorloth’s header.
The result extends Liverpool’s remarkable run to 15 consecutive home wins in European competitions, while Atletico Madrid continue to seek consistency in La Liga.
