Champions League - Van Dijk's header in stoppage time helped Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid 3-2
2025-09-18 07:05
In the first round of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, Liverpool hosted Atletico Madrid. With captain Van Dijk's goal in stoppage time, they eventually defeated Atletico 3-2.
Liverpool quickly got into the game. In the 4th minute, Salah's free kick from the frontcourt hit Robertson and deflected into the net, giving Liverpool a 1-0 lead. In the 6th minute, Salah and Gravenberch, through a series of passes and cuts, split the opponent's defense from the right and finally scored with a shot into the far corner.
However, Atletico Madrid managed to equalize before halftime. In the 45th minute, Laspadori broke into the right side of the penalty area and passed the ball to the middle, and Llorente pushed the ball into the bottom left corner to make the score 1-2.
In the second half, the two teams continued their offensive exchanges. In the 65th minute, Wirtz, facing a double-team on the counterattack, sent a cross. Salah, unopposed, fired a shot that hit the right post. Atletico Madrid, with increasing momentum, equalized in the 81st minute. Barrios' shot was blocked by Cornet, and Llorente's volley from the top of the key found the net.
With the game seemingly headed for a draw, Liverpool scored the winning goal in injury time. In the 90th minute, Szoboslai's corner kick was headed home by Van Dijk, putting the Reds ahead again. Subsequently, Atletico Madrid coach Simeone was sent off for expressing dissatisfaction with the referee, creating a tense atmosphere on the sidelines.
At the end of the match, Liverpool defeated Atletico Madrid 3-2. They not only got off to a good start in the Champions League, but also won their fifth consecutive victory in all competitions of the new season.
