LIVERPOOL – In a pulsating and controversial UEFA Champions League opener, Virgil van Dijk powered home a 92nd-minute header to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory for Liverpool over a stubborn Atletico Madrid at a raucous Anfield on September 17, 2025.
The match was a rollercoaster from the start. Liverpool flew out of the blocks, with Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah scoring early goals to seemingly put the hosts in firm control. However, Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid side demonstrated their trademark resilience, with midfielder Marcos Llorente scoring twice to pull Los Rojiblancos level on each occasion.
The game also served as the highly-anticipated debut for Liverpool’s new attacking signings, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. While Isak showed promising fitness, his direct impact was limited. Wirtz, however, was a creative force, carving out five chances for his teammates throughout the match.
Despite the firepower up front, it was the performance of midfielder Ryan Gravenberch that earned him Player of the Match honours, with his dominance in the centre of the park proving crucial for the Reds.
The dramatic finale was overshadowed by a moment of controversy deep into stoppage time. Just after Van Dijk’s winning goal, Atletico coach Diego Simeone was shown a red card following an altercation with a Liverpool fan, Jonathan Luke Poulter, near the sideline.
The result marks a vital three points for Liverpool in a tough Group Stage, encapsulating the passion, drama, and never-say-die spirit that defines European nights at Anfield.
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