Liverpool snatch a 3–2 win over Atlético Madrid at Anfield on a stoppage-time header by Virgil van Dijk. Salah strikes early, Isak debuts, Simeone sent off. Full recap, stats & watching guide.
Quick snapshot — Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid
Liverpool secured a dramatic 3–2 victory over Atlético Madrid in their Champions League group-stage opener at Anfield, thanks to a stoppage-time header from captain Virgil van Dijk, after racing to a 2–0 lead inside six minutes and then weathering a fierce Atlético fightback.
Background & stakes: Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid in 2025–26 UCL
Liverpool entered their 2025–26 Champions League campaign with high expectations. Manager Arne Slot had his side unbeaten domestically at 4-0 to start the season, and the Reds were desperate to improve on last year’s disappointing last-16 exit at the hands of PSG.
Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, were riding a strong La Liga season finish from the previous year, but had made a sluggish domestic start and were hoping for a spark in European competition.
Fans and analysts framed the match as a clash of styles: Liverpool’s fast-paced, attacking, and pressing football under Slot, versus Atlético’s trademark defensive intensity and mental resilience.
Liverpool also brought in major new signings, most notably Alexander Isak (£125 million from Newcastle). Though fitness concerns limited his preseason, Slot hinted Isak would likely make his Champions League debut against Atlético.
[Note: Images are collected from Instagram]
Match timeline: Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid — goals, drama & turning points
Here’s how the 90+ minutes unfolded at Anfield:
| Minute | Event |
|---|---|
| 4′ | Liverpool take the lead — Andy Robertson latches onto a free-kick from Mohamed Salah that ricochets off him and past Jan Oblak. A dream start at Anfield. |
| 6′ | Liverpool double up — Salah doubles the lead after slick build-up, driving forward and slotting the ball past Oblak. The Reds are 2–0 within six minutes. |
| 45+3′ | Atlético pull one back — Marcos Llorente pokes in a goal just before halftime following a well-timed Raspadori pass. Atlético keep in it heading into the break. (The Guardian) |
| 81′ | Atlético equalize — Llorente again, this time volleying in at the far post, catching Liverpool’s defence flat-footed. 2–2 and Anfield is tense. |
| 90+2′ | Van Dijk saves Liverpool — Virgil van Dijk heads home a corner from Dominik Szoboszlai in stoppage time to seal the win. Wild scenes. (Reuters) |
A few additional dramatic notes:
- This was Liverpool’s fifth consecutive match in which the winning goal was scored after the 80th minute — a worrying pattern for defensive solidity, but thrilling for supporters.
- Atlético boss Diego Simeone was sent off moments after the final whistle following an altercation with fans behind the dugout, adding to the emotional intensity.
- Alexander Isak started the match — making his Champions League debut — but was substituted after about an hour as Slot managed his fitness. Van Dijk later praised him for “excellent” link play early on.
- Salah not only scored but also set up the opener, and in doing so overtook Steven Gerrard for Liverpool in Champions League appearances.
Another late winner ⌚ pic.twitter.com/pILbMomrzk
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 17, 2025
Tactical analysis: why Liverpool survived Atlético’s fightback
Liverpool’s fast start unsettled Atlético
Liverpool looked every inch the headline side early on — aggressive pressing, rapid transitions, and clinical finishing. Getting two goals inside six minutes forced Atlético out of their preferred defensive posture and made them chase the game.
Salah’s free-kick turned into the opener, helped by Robertson’s movement to knock the ball past Oblak, and then his second goal came after intelligent interplay with Ryan Gravenberch, showing Liverpool’s early-game fluidity when they’re allowed to take the initiative.
Atlético’s resilience and Llorente magic kept them in
Despite the rough start, Atlético showed why they’re hard to kill off in Europe. Marcos Llorente, often underestimated defensively, was Atlético’s best threat all night — capitalizing on Liverpool errors with two smart finishes. His 45+3′ goal and 81′ equaliser represented high game intelligence and mental toughness.
Liverpool were forced to defend deeper than planned in the second half, and the midfield balance shifted as Atlético got more confidence and began controlling certain phases of possession. Liverpool’s high press looked somewhat less effective once the visitors regained composure.
Van Dijk, set pieces & late-game mentality
Liverpool’s reliance on late goals continues to raise eyebrows — but when you’re Virgil van Dijk, you’re expected to deliver. His header from Szoboszlai’s corner in stoppage time was textbook: high ball, good movement, strong contact, and calm nerve under pressure.
Arne Slot later emphasized that beating a team like Atlético “with their own weapon” — strong mentality and late resilience — showed character, but Liverpool “should have made it easier.” (Sky Sports)
Liverpool’s substitutions, including managing Isak’s debut fitness and bringing on fresh legs late, also played a part. Keeping legs fresh and mental focus through a high-tempo game paid off in the end.
Player performance & ratings
Here’s a look at standout performers from Liverpool and Atlético in this match:
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) earned a 9.0/10 rating from Sports Illustrated, having scored, assisted, and been central to Liverpool’s early dominance.
- Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) — 8.2/10 — delivered the match-winning header and marshalled the defence through Atlético’s second-half resurgence.
- Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai were rated highly (8.1 and 8.2 respectively), anchoring the midfield and helping Liverpool transition quickly between defence and attack.
- On Atlético’s side, Marcos Llorente was the catalyst for their comeback, converting both of Atlético’s goals while largely surviving Liverpool’s pressure.
Other noteworthy mentions:
- Alexander Isak showed flashes of quality and positive link-up play, though fatigue seemed to set in by his substitution around the 58th minute. Van Dijk praised his first Champions League showing as “excellent” given his lack of preseason.
- Liverpool’s late-game mentality — repeated yet again this season — is becoming a story in itself, and though thrilling for fans, Slot and Robertson both publicly acknowledged a need to convert dominance into cleaner, earlier wins.
What this means for the Champions League campaign
- Liverpool now start the group stage with three points at home, a psychological boost and momentum from their domestic winning run. Anfield’s aura as a daunting European fortress was reinforced — Liverpool’s record of late winners and strong European home performances remains intact. (Al Jazeera)
- Atlético Madrid showed grit and fighting spirit, but their slow start and inability to sustain pressure highlight a potential vulnerability in strict knockout accumulation. Their manager’s red card and post-match protests hint at a club under stress, particularly when games slip away late.
- From a broader Champions League perspective, Liverpool may be sending a message: they have both the attacking talent (Salah, Wirtz, Isak) and the late-game resolve to challenge deep, even if defensive concentration wavers under pressure.
Where to watch Liverpool FC vs Atlético Madrid — domestic & international coverage
For fans looking to catch Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid in future Champions League matches or replay this opener:
| Region | TV / Streaming Options |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | TNT Sports 1 (and Ultimate), discovery+ |
| United States | Paramount+, TUDN.com, Univision NOW, TUDN app, Amazon Prime Video |
| Canada | DAZN, Amazon Prime Video |
| Mexico | Caliente TV, Amazon Prime Video |
| Global | UEFA.tv, Champions League app, club broadcasters’ “All Red Video” for Liverpool fans (extended highlights, full replays). |
Kickoff for the match on 17 September 2025 was at 20:00 BST / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT at Anfield.
Final thoughts — Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid sets the tone for a gripping Champions League campaign
This was vintage Liverpool drama: electric start, mid-game wobble, and a last-minute goal to snatch victory from the jaws of a draw. Virgil van Dijk’s header tonight wasn’t just a late winner — it was a statement. Manager Arne Slot and his squad are clearly preaching mentality, and under pressure, they’re producing results.
But if Liverpool are going to challenge for the Champions League this season, they’ll need to clean up the defensive lapses that allowed Atlético back into the game. A big lead is excellent, but when it slips away, clubs like Madrid punish hesitation. The good news is Liverpool seem to believe they can survive rough periods, even lean on their spine (Salah, van Dijk, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Isak) to dig deep.
For Atlético, the fightback shouldn’t be ignored — Llorente’s brace was a reminder that mentality, experience, and opportunism are alive and well in La Liga’s heavyweights, even when their season starts sluggishly. Yet the red card for Diego Simeone underscores the emotional stakes of these clashes — Alexander Isak’s debut, late drama, and a charged atmosphere make Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid feel like one of the standout fixtures of the group stage already.
If you’re a neutral fan, buckle up — big teams, big character, big moments. And with the Champions League calendar ahead, this Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid result may come to look like a turning point for one or both clubs.
FAQs fans might search for
Q: Who won Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid in their 2025 Champions League opener?
A: Liverpool won 3–2, courtesy of a stoppage-time header by Virgil van Dijk after Atlético had twice pulled level from 2–0 down. (Reuters)
Q: Did Alexander Isak make his debut vs Atlético?
A: Yes — Isak started and made his Champions League debut for Liverpool, playing about 58 minutes before being substituted for fitness reasons. (The Liverpool Offside)
Q: What time did the match kick off, and where could I watch it?
A: The match began at 20:00 BST (3:00 PM ET, 12:00 PM PT) on Wednesday, 17 September 2025. TV coverage included TNT Sports in the UK, Paramount+ and TUDN platforms in the US, DAZN in Canada, and Amazon Prime Video in several regions. Liverpool offered extended highlights and full replays via its “All Red Video” platform. (SI)
Q: Has Liverpool been scoring late winners consistently this season?
A: Yes — this marks Liverpool’s fifth consecutive match (across domestic and Champions League competitions) in which the winning goal was scored after the 80th minute. Slot and Robertson have acknowledged the trend — thrilling, but not sustainable long-term. (Sky Sports)