Liverpool produced yet another late show at Anfield as Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time header sealed a thrilling 3-2 win over Atlético Madrid in the Champions League.
The Reds looked in control after a lighting start saw them go two goals up inside the first seven minutes. Mohamed Salah’s free-kick deflected off Andy Robertson for the opener before the Egyptian himself finished off a slick one-two with Ryan Gravenberch to make it 2-0.
Atlético, though, showed their trademark fight. Marcos Llorente halved the deficit before half-time, striking low through Ibrahima Konaté’s legs past Alisson. And it was Llorente again who levelled in the second half, his volley from the edge of the box taking a deflection off Alexis Mac Allister to loop in for 2-2.
With the game in the balance, both sides traded chances. Salah hit the post with the goal gaping, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz both went close, while substitute Alexander Sørloth headed tamely at Alisson in stoppage time.
Then came the decisive moment. Dominik Szoboszlai, whose set-piece delivery had been dangerous all evening, whipped in a corner from the left and Van Dijk powered his header past Jan Oblak to spark wild celebrations inside Anfield.
The drama did not end there as Diego Simeone was sent off following an altercation with fans behind the away dugout. The Atlético coach appeared to be provoked but responded in typical fashion, with stewards quickly surrounding the visiting bench.
Liverpool have now won five straight games this season, with four of them sealed by goals in the final 10 minutes. The pattern continues:
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Bournemouth 4-2 – Chiesa 88, Salah 90+
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Newcastle 3-2 – Ngumoha 90+
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Arsenal 1-0 – Szoboszlai 83
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Burnley 1-0 – Salah 90+
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Atlético 3-2 – Van Dijk 90+
