Van Dijk’s stoppage-time strike seals another dramatic Liverpool win over Atletico

Anfield lived another unforgettable European night as Liverpool continued their remarkable habit of late heroics. For the fifth consecutive match, Arne Slot’s side snatched victory at the death, this time thanks to captain Virgil van Dijk’s towering 92nd-minute header that secured a 3-2 triumph over Atletico Madrid.

The Reds looked in complete control early on. Within just six minutes, Andy Robertson broke the deadlock with a clever finish before Mohamed Salah doubled the advantage, netting his 45th Champions League goal — extending his record as Liverpool’s top scorer in the competition. Yet as so often against Diego Simeone’s men, nothing came easy.

Marcos Llorente, a familiar tormentor for Liverpool fans since his two goals in 2020 at Anfield, struck again on the brink of half-time. He then levelled matters nine minutes from time with a deflected strike from distance, seemingly destined to deny the hosts.

But Liverpool under Slot have shown the same relentlessness that characterised Jürgen Klopp’s reign. With the Kop urging them forward, Szoboszlai’s corner was met perfectly by Van Dijk, whose header reignited hopes of a seventh European crown — 19 years after their famous comeback in Istanbul.

The evening ended in chaotic fashion, with Simeone sent to the stands, but for Liverpool it was another reminder that this squad thrives under pressure. Five wins in a row, all secured in stoppage time, underline their resilience and their European ambitions.

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