Liverpool start their Champions League season with drama for Anfield, as Virgil van Dijk score last-minute header to seal 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid. Goals from Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson put the Reds in early control, but Marcos Llorente equalised with a brace before Van Dijk nod home in stoppage time.
TPB’S VERDICT
Liverpool prove once again say dem fit deliver late magic for Europe. Slot team still get small defensive shakiness, but Anfield spirit carry dem through.
Atletico show fight second half, but dem vulnerability at the back na big concern. For Reds, this na statement win to start di group phase strong.
LIVERPOOL VS. ATLETICO MADRID HIGHLIGHTS
4th min – Andrew Robertson goal (Liverpool 1-0 Atletico Madrid)
Salah whip free kick wey deflect off Robertson enter net. Dream start for di Reds!
6th min – Mohamed Salah goal (Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid)
Gravenberch combine with Salah, Egyptian burst into box and finish calm. Liverpool flying!
45+3rd min – Marcos Llorente goal (Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid)
Konate miss di offside trap, Raspadori square ball for Llorente to poke home. Atletico back in it.
81st min – Marcos Llorente goal (Liverpool 2-2 Atletico Madrid)
Loose ball drop for edge of box, Llorente volley deflect off Mac Allister and beat Alisson. Game level!
90+2nd min – Virgil van Dijk goal (Liverpool 3-2 Atletico Madrid)
Szoboszlai deliver corner, Van Dijk rise highest nod into corner. Anfield explode!
92nd min – Diego Simeone red card
Atleti boss react to fans after goal, referee show am straight red. Rough end to night for Simeone.
MAN OF THE MATCH – MOHAMED SALAH
Salah silence critics with sharp performance – early goal, non-stop threat, and link-up play. Still Liverpool’s big-game player when it matter most.
LIVERPOOL VS. ATLETICO MADRID MATCH STATS
- Possession: Liverpool 56% – 44% Atletico
- Shots: Liverpool 20 – 10 Atletico
- Shots on target: Liverpool 6 – 4 Atletico
- Corners: Liverpool 7 – 6 Atletico
- Fouls: Liverpool 7 – 9 Atletico
WHAT NEXT?
Liverpool next face city rivals Everton in di Premier League Merseyside derby on Saturday, before Southampton visit for EFL Cup action on Tuesday. Atletico return to La Liga duty against Mallorca on Sunday, then take on Rayo Vallecano next week.
Closing note for Liverpool fans like Emmanuel aka Piers: Na nights like this dey make football sweet. Late winners, Salah magic, Van Dijk leadership – Anfield still dey shake. If dem fit build on this, dis Liverpool side fit dey unstoppable for Europe again.
