Daily Mail

Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid - Champions League RECAP: Virgil van Dijk saves the Reds in second-half stoppage-time after Arne Slot's side had initially squandered a two-goal lead

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Liverpool secured a dramatic 3-2 victory against Atlético Madrid in their UEFA Champions League group stage match on September 17, 2025. The match was a tense affair with goals coming from both sides and ending with a last-minute winner.

Early in the game, Liverpool took the lead through Mohamed Salah, who scored a low shot deflected past Atlético's goalkeeper around the 4th minute. Liverpool dominated much of the first half, relying on their attacking prowess and midfield control.

Atlético Madrid fought back hard, leveling the score and then taking the lead at some point in the match, showcasing their compact defensive setup and swift counter-attacks. Their resilience made for a tightly contested match throughout.



The climax came in the final moments, as Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s captain, scored a crucial header in the second minute of stoppage time. This goal sealed the win for Liverpool, marking an intense finish to the match and demonstrating the team’s determination to capitalize on every chance.



Liverpool’s victory was particularly important after their summer investments aimed to strengthen the squad following their exit to PSG in the previous season’s Round of 16. The win also highlighted Liverpool’s habit of scoring late goals, a characteristic that has played a key part in their campaign so far.

Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, showed strong defensive organization but ultimately conceded at a critical moment, dampening their hopes of securing a point in Anfield. The result sets an exciting tone for the group stage as both teams look to advance in Europe’s premier club competition.

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