Liverpool edge Atletico Madrid 3-2 with last-gasp Van Dijk goal

Salah bags a goal when he muscles through three Atletico defenders after a quick one-two

UEFA Champions League - Liverpool v Atletico Madrid - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - Sept 17, 2025 Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk celebrates scoring their third goal Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk headed home a last-gasp goal in stoppage time to lead Arne Slot's men to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in the opening game of their Champions League campaign on Wednesday at Anfield.

The game appeared headed for a draw after Marcos Llorente scored twice to pull the Spaniards back into the game - before Van Dijk's header from a corner.

Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah also scored and set up another as the Reds stormed out of the gate with two goals before the game was six minutes old. Andy Robertson struck in the fourth minute in his first start of the season when Salah's free-kick ricocheted off him and over the line past goalkeeper Jan Oblak who was rooted to the spot.

Salah bagged a goal of his own two minutes later when he muscled through three Atletico defenders after a quick one-two with Ryan Gravenberch, then slotted into the far corner from an angle.

But the visitors grew into the game and Llorente clawed one back with his first goal of the night on the stroke of halftime before equalising in the 81st minute with a sumptuous volley that took a deflection on its way in.