Van Dijk’s late header secures Liverpool dramatic Champions League win over Atletico

Liverpool opened their Champions League campaign with late drama at Anfield as Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time header sealed a 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid. 

The Premier League champions looked to have thrown away a two-goal lead, but once again delivered a decisive moment in the dying stages.

Arne Slot’s side made a blistering start, racing into a two-goal advantage inside the opening six minutes. 

Andrew Robertson’s deflected effort from a Mohamed Salah free-kick wrong-footed Jan Oblak, before Salah himself doubled the lead with a composed finish following Ryan Gravenberch’s assist. 

The Egyptian forward, already a key figure in Liverpool’s domestic dominance this season, once again proved pivotal in Europe.

Atletico, however, showed their trademark resilience. Marcos Llorente halved the deficit in first-half stoppage time, poking the ball past Alisson after Gianluca Raspadori’s through pass. 

The Spaniard, who scored twice at Anfield in 2020, again punished Liverpool by striking a deflected volley to level the contest nine minutes from full-time.

Liverpool’s record signing Alexander Isak made his long-awaited debut following his £125m move from Newcastle United. 

Though lacking full match sharpness, the striker lasted nearly an hour before being replaced by Hugo Ekitike. 

Florian Wirtz also impressed, setting up Salah for a chance that struck the post, underlining the hosts’ threat despite Atletico’s fightback.

With the match poised at 2-2, it was Van Dijk who rose to the occasion. The Dutch captain powered in a header from Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner in the 92nd minute, sparking wild celebrations inside Anfield. 

The late winner continued Liverpool’s run of last-gasp victories, having already sealed four dramatic wins in the Premier League this season.

Tensions flared on the touchline as Atletico boss Diego Simeone was shown a red card after a confrontation with supporters near his technical area. 

For Liverpool, the night ended in triumph, with their European campaign beginning on a high and their new era under Slot already marked by resilience and late drama.