Van Dijk’s late header earns Liverpool dramatic win against Atlético Madrid
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Liverpool secured a dramatic 3-2 victory against Atlético Madrid in their opening 2025-26 UEFA Champions League match at Anfield on September 17, 2025. The win was sealed in stoppage time thanks to a late header by captain Virgil van Dijk, marking their fifth consecutive game this season in which they have scored a winner after the 83rd minute.
The match started with Liverpool taking an early two-goal lead within the first six minutes, with goals from Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah. This fast start overshadowed the anticipated debut of Alexander Isak, Liverpool’s British-record signing from Newcastle, who was given a start just 18 minutes into the match despite missing pre-season football.
However, Liverpool’s pattern of losing control soon re-emerged as Atlético fought back. With Liverpool appearing somewhat directionless midway through the game, Atlético’s Marcos Llorente scored a stunning volley that deflected off Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, sparking chaos among the Atlético coaching staff who rushed onto the pitch. This goal contributed to Atlético leveling the match, capitalizing on Liverpool’s repeated lapses after leading by two goals.
Amid the tension, Atlético coach Diego Simeone confronted frustrated fans behind his dugout during the closing stages and was ultimately sent off by referee Maurizio Mariani following a heated exchange. Despite Atlético’s resilience, Liverpool held their nerve and claimed victory with van Dijk’s stoppage-time header from a corner, delighting the crowd and securing a winning start in the competition for head coach Arne Slot on his 47th birthday.
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