Liverpool's Champions League chances hinge on Arne Slot fixing major 'issue'
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Charlie Grace
Thu 18 September 2025 11:00, UK
Liverpool relied on more last-gasp heroics to beat Atletico Madrid in their opening Champions League fixture.
Alexander Isak made his Liverpool debut against Atletico Madrid, but wasn’t directly involved in any goals as Arne Slot’s side ran out 3-2 winners.
Liverpool broke a Champions League record thanks to Mohamed Salah’s early goal and assist, putting the Reds 2-0 up within six minutes.
Ally McCoist was baffled at a decision to award Liverpool a penalty against Atletico Madrid that was eventually overturned, before a Marcos Llorente double had the Spanish capital side back on level terms.
However, Virgil van Dijk stood tall and delivered more late heroics for Liverpool, scoring their fifth late winner in as many games this season.
Virgil Van Dijk came to the rescue late on for Liverpool(Credit Imago)
The early worries about Liverpool’s title defence came from their leaky defence, conceding four goals in their first two games.
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Against Atletico Madrid, that form was flipped on its head, scoring two early goals but shipping two goals themselves.
The Australian said: “For Liverpool and when you’re as attacking-minded as they are, you are going to give chances to the opposition and certainly against better opposition.
“Atletico Madrid are hardened warriors – they know what it takes to win games and stay in games, and it was always going to be a tough game for Liverpool.
Liverpool vs Atletico MadridPossession56%xG for2.72Big chances7xG against0.61Goals3Liverpool’s stats vs Atletico Madrid (Fotmob)
“Whenever you’re 2-0 ahead, they had so many chances and they didn’t finish the game off, that’s part of the issue.
And whenever you’re 2-0 ahead, even a comfortable lead while you’re dominating play – if you don’t finish the opposition off, you always leave yourself open to the possibility of conceding one.
“When you concede one, the door gets a bit shakier and a bit of deflection, and you find yourself back on level terms,” Schwarzer finished.
Slot will hope his side can find their shooting boots after Liverpool pumped over £300 million into their attack this summer, as meetings with Everton and Chelsea await before the next international break.