Liverpool’s ability to create drama at the last minute resumed in an exciting Champions League opening against Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday, but the win was overshadowed by a furious argument. The Reds won 3-2 thanks to Virgil van Dijk’s header in the 92nd minute. Atletico manager Diego Simeone got a red card after getting into a fight with Liverpool fans.
The way the game started made it look like the home team would have an easy night. Liverpool, who had just pulled off a succession of late-game miracles, seemed ready to finish the job early. Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah scored goals in the opening six minutes, giving them a 2-0 lead that seemed impossible to lose. Salah was in great shape, outshining Alexander Isak, who was making his debut after moving from Newcastle for £125 million, making him the most expensive player in English football history.
But the game took a turn that made some think of a controversial Champions League match between these two teams five years ago. Just like in the previous 16 match where Marcos Llorente was the hero for Atletico, the midfielder scored twice to tie the game. His first goal came in the first half’s stoppage time, and his second, a volley in the 81st minute, shocked Anfield and left the game on a knife’s edge.
That’s when Liverpool’s usual late-game determination came in. Incredibly, this was the fifth game in a row that Arne Slot’s team scored a winning goal after the 80th minute. Van Dijk, the captain, stepped up and headed in a corner from Dominik Szoboszlai to give his team all three points.
Diego Simeone couldn’t take it anymore after the goal. The Argentine coach, who was clearly upset during the game, seemed to want a certain fan to be kicked out and got into a fight with fans behind his dugout. Before referee Maurizio Mariani gave Simeone a red card, stewards had to step in.
Simeone explained his outburst after the game by saying that he had been “insulted the whole match.” He went on to say, “My reaction isn’t right, but do you know what it’s like to be insulted for 90 minutes?” He also hoped that Liverpool will find the individual who upset him and do something about it. He said that managers have to “endure everything” but are also “human.”
Liverpool coach Arne Slot was disappointed that his team didn’t complete the game sooner, even though it ended in a dramatic way. He stated, “A game like this shouldn’t have ended with a late winner,” pointing out that Liverpool had many chances to score a third goal that would have made the outcome clear.
Liverpool’s offensive, driven by Salah and new players like Florian Wirtz, was always a threat, but the game also showed some weaknesses in their defense. Slot’s club has already given up two or more goals in four of their first six games this season, including the Community Shield loss. This shows that they have some “chinks in their armor” following a big squad change.
But on this night, the Reds’ strong will and ability to handle pressure were what made the difference. Van Dijk’s header that won the game kept Liverpool’s perfect start to the season going and sent a powerful statement in the Champions League.