Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid Review
Virgil van Dijk’s dramatic header in stoppage time secured a thrilling 3-2 victory for Liverpool over Atlético Madrid, marking their 15th consecutive home win in European group or league stage matches in impressive fashion. Arne Slot selected Liverpool’s first European lineup without any English players, but included debutant Alexander Isak. Liverpool started strongly, scoring two goals within the first six minutes, with a Scotsman providing the opener.
Mohamed Salah’s free-kick deflected off Andy Robertson before beating Jan Oblak, giving the full-back his first European goal in nearly six years. While the first goal involved some luck, the second was purely skillful. Salah scored his 250th goal for an English club with a signature run and finish, skillfully weaving through Atlético’s defense after a quick exchange with Ryan Gravenberch, and delivering a brilliant strike past Oblak, leaving Atlético stunned.
The Reds were given an opportunity to increase their lead to three when referee Maurizio Mariani surprisingly awarded a penalty, penalizing Clément Lenglet for handball while trying to block Jeremie Frimpong’s cross. Luckily for the visitors, a quick VAR review overturned the penalty decision. Isak missed two chances to further extend Liverpool’s lead during open play, and Atlético Madrid promptly reduced the deficit just before halftime with a precise finish from Marcos Llorente, highlighting the home team’s defensive weaknesses.
Liverpool supporters at Anfield might have felt a sense of déjà vu, as Atlético were the last team to defeat them when leading at halftime back in March 2020. Giacomo Raspadori added to those worries with a well-angled shot saved by Alisson, as Diego Simeone’s team grew more confident in mounting a comeback. Salah had an opportunity to end those hopes during a swift counter-attack, but his shot struck the post.
Salah was the driving force behind all the positive momentum moving forward, yet Simeone’s team still posed a considerable threat. Llorente’s looping shot just went over the goal, reminding everyone that the game was still very much undecided. Slot’s team ignored these warning signs, and Llorente took advantage, leveling the score with a volley that deflected heavily off Robertson, triggering wild celebrations on the sidelines. That goal seemed enough to earn a point for the Mattress Makers, but Van Dijk had other plans, heading in Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner in front of the Kop, causing the crowd to erupt in joy and chaos on the sidelines as an enraged Simeone was sent off.
