Van Dijk's Thunderous Header Powers Liverpool Past Atletico Madrid in Thrilling 3-2 Victory

Virgil van Dijk's dramatic late header secured Liverpool's victory in a thrilling encounter against Atlético Madrid during their Champions League season opener, with the Reds claiming a 3–2 triumph.

Arne Slot had teased the possibility of Alexander Isak making his debut on Wednesday evening, and the Dutch manager gave in to Liverpool fans' desires by naming the club's record acquisition in his starting lineup against Diego Simeone's team.

While the Swedish striker captured much pre-match focus, it was a well-known player who dominated the early proceedings. Liverpool, who might have anticipated struggling as they did at Turf Moor on Sunday, found themselves 2–0 ahead within six minutes, with Mohamed Salah's influence evident throughout the Reds' explosive start.

Initially, the Egyptian's driven free-kick took a deflection off Andy Robertson and caught Jan Oblak off guard, before he extended the hosts' advantage following brilliant interplay with the impressive Ryan Gravenberch; powering past several Atléti defenders before beating Oblak.

This represented the worst possible scenario for the visitors, who undoubtedly planned to frustrate their opponents and potentially leave with a draw. Such tactics have been Simeone's signature approach during significant European away fixtures.

Nevertheless, the Spanish side refused to crumble and gradually found their rhythm, controlling possession and successfully targeting the space behind Robertson. Though they couldn't trouble Alisson in goal, their wide play served as a warning to Liverpool.

The Reds still looked capable of pulling away during the first half's closing stages, creating spectacular attacking moves featuring their record summer signings. Isak settled into the match and tested Oblak twice, while Florian Wirtz quickly established chemistry with Liverpool's new striker.

Atléti's late first-half goal therefore came unexpectedly, but Marcos Llorente was determined to make his mark at Anfield—despite the video assistant referee (VAR) questionably ignoring Antoine Griezmann's offside position. The fullback famously named his dog "Anfield" following his double in the unforgettable 2019–20 last 16 second leg, where his two goals sent Atléti through.

This shifted the atmosphere at halftime, with both coaches making changes to secure the vital fourth goal. Liverpool crafted some brilliant counter-attacks, including one that saw Salah hit the post's inside. The home team appeared more threatening, but Llorente doesn't visit Anfield to score just once. With ten minutes left, Simeone's versatile player equalized with a superb long-range effort, echoing his March 2020 heroics.

The Reds' tendency for late excitement meant the match remained alive after Llorente's leveler, and their set-piece pressure proved decisive in added time, as Van Dijk brilliantly headed home from Dominik Szoboszlai's corner to secure victory for the hosts.

Even after that, Atléti had one final opportunity, as Llorente set up Alexander Sørloth, but the substitute's header was comfortably saved by Alisson.

Liverpool player ratings below.

Liverpool Player Ratings (4-2-3-1)

*Ratings Provided by FotMob*

Subs not used: Giorgi Mamardashvili (GK), Freddie Woodman (GK), Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni, Wataru Endo, Trey Nyoni, Jayden Danns.

Player of the Match: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Atlético Madrid (4-4-2): Jan Oblak; Marcos Llorente, Robin Le Normand, Clément Lenglet, Javi Galán; Giuliano Simeone, Pablo Barrios, Conor Gallagher, Nico González; Antoine Griezmann, Giacomo Raspadori.

Subs: Juan Musso (GK), Salvi Esquivel (GK), David Hancko, Marc Pubill, Matteo Ruggeri, Nahuel Molina, Rayane Belaid, Koke, Taufik Seidu, Alexander Sørloth, Carlos Martin.