Virgil van Dijk was the hero at Anfield as his stoppage-time header secured Liverpool an exhilarating 3-2 win over Atlético Madrid of their Champions League opener on Wednesday evening. Softfootball reported within the recreation’s preview that the reresult was anticipated to be tight and even predicted a 2-1 scoreline in favour of Liverpool, and with the sport tied at 2-2, Van Dijk wasn’t concerned about leaving Anfield with out most factors. The Dutchman rose highest within the 92nd minute to nod dwelling Dominik Szoboszlai’s nook, clinching Liverpool’s fifth victory of the season courtesy of a aim past the 83rd minute.
Arne Slot’s males exploded out of the blocks, with Mohamed Salah setting the tone early. His deflected free-kick ricocheted off Andy Robertson and wrong-footed Jan Oblak to place the Reds in entrance. Minutes later, Salah doubled the lead in trademark type, gliding previous defenders after a slick one-two with Ryan Gravenberch earlier than burying his end to succeed in 250 objectives in English membership soccer.
Mohammed Salah grew to become part of Champions League historical past at this time, with Liverpool revealing by way of their official X account that the Egyptian king is the primary participant to realize a aim and help within the first six minutes of the event.
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Liverpool might have tightened their grip when the referee controversially awarded a penalty in opposition to Clément Lenglet for handball, however VAR swiftly overturned the choice. As Arne Slot promised, Liverpool’s new signing, Alexander Isak, making his much-anticipated debut following a report £125 million switch, spurned two probabilities to increase the benefit. Atlético, who had seemed rattled, hit again on the stroke of halftime when Marcos Llorente slotted dwelling after exploiting Liverpool’s defensive lapses.
The guests grew into the competition after the break, with Giacomo Raspadori and Llorente each threatening. Salah nearly restored the cushion with a fierce effort that struck the submit, however Atlético capitalised as an alternative. Llorente volleyed dwelling within the 81st minute, his shot deflecting closely off Robertson to beat Alisson and spark celebrations on the away bench.
Simply because it appeared Diego Simeone’s facet had rescued a degree, Liverpool discovered a means but once more. Van Dijk powered dwelling the decisive header, sending Anfield into raptures. Simeone’s fury boiled over within the aftermath, incomes him a crimson card as Liverpool prolonged their unbeaten dwelling run in European group or league section matches to fifteen.
