¡What a night at Anfield! Liverpool kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 3-2 thriller against Atletico Madrid, thanks to a last-gasp header from captain Virgil van Dijk. 😱⚽
The Reds stormed ahead inside six minutes. After a brilliantly whipped free kick from Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson prodded it home, and moments later Salah himself added a second, making it 2-0 and sending the home fans wild. 🎉
But Atletico fought back. Marcos Llorente, who famously scored twice to knock Liverpool out in 2020, popped up again with a brace, leveling the score at 2-2 and making it anyone’s game. 🔥
Yet Liverpool’s late-game magic wasn’t done. In the third minute of stoppage time, van Dijk rose highest to head in the winner, capping off a rollercoaster match and keeping the Reds’ late-goal streak alive this season. 🙌
The drama didn’t stop there. Atletico coach Diego Simeone picked up a second yellow card during the celebrations, adding another chapter to this epic opener. And for manager Arne Slot, who turned 47 on match day, it was the perfect birthday gift. 🎂👏
"Second year in a row I had to celebrate my birthday on a Champions League night, and the second time … the players gave me a nice present," Slot laughed after the match. "Next year, can I celebrate with my friends and family?"
With that win, Liverpool sends a clear message: when it comes to drama and late goals, they’re in prime form. Stay tuned as the UCL journey continues! 🌍✨
Reference(s):
Liverpool edge Atletico Madrid 3-2 on last-gasp goal from van Dijk
cgtn.com
