Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk celebrates scoring the third goal against Atletico Madrid.
Liverpool launched their UEFA Champions League 2025-26 campaign in dramatic fashion with a nail-biting 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday. A stoppage-time header from captain Virgil van Dijk sealed the win, leaving the Spanish side stunned, and manager Diego Simeone was sent off in frustration.
Liverpool off to a flying start
The Reds wasted no time asserting control. Just four minutes in, Andy Robertson opened the scoring. Mohamed Salah’s free-kick ricocheted off him and crept past Jan Oblak, leaving the Atletico keeper rooted.
Two minutes later, Salah turned scorer. After a slick one-two with Ryan Gravenberch, he bulldozed through three Atletico defenders and finished with precision into the far corner. Within six minutes, Liverpool were two goals ahead, and Anfield was roaring.
Llorente revives Atletico’s hopes
Atletico refused to fold. Marcos Llorente reduced the deficit on the stroke of halftime with a clinical finish. His determination brought the visitors back into the contest.
Liverpool pressed hard in the second half, but Simeone’s men grew more confident. In the 81st minute, Llorente struck again, unleashing a volley that deflected on its way in. The equaliser triggered memories for Liverpool fans—Llorente had been the tormentor in 2020 when his brace knocked the Reds out of the Champions League.
At 2-2, Atletico looked set to snatch a valuable away draw. But Anfield has a reputation for late drama, and the script was not done.
Van Dijk the hero in stoppage time
In the 92nd minute, Liverpool forced a corner. Salah’s delivery met Van Dijk’s towering leap, and the captain powered his header home. The stadium erupted as Liverpool reclaimed the lead at the death. Moments later, chaos unfolded on the touchline as Diego Simeone was sent off after clashing with officials and fans.
“It’s about resilience,” Van Dijk reflected post-match. “We kept pushing until the end. I’m glad I could be the one to score. Nights like this remind us why Anfield is special.”
Salah shines, Isak debuts
Beyond his goal, Salah provided an assist and orchestrated much of Liverpool’s attack. New signing Alexander Isak, Britain’s record transfer, made his Champions League debut for the Reds, adding another layer of intrigue to the evening.
Manager Arne Slot, eyeing progress beyond last season’s last-16 exit to Paris Saint-Germain, praised his team’s determination. Liverpool have now made a habit of late winners, with all four of their Premier League victories this season sealed in the final 10 minutes.
Olympiakos left frustrated by resilient Pafos
In the night’s other Champions League clash, Olympiakos were held to a 0-0 home draw by Cypriot side Pafos. Despite playing with 10 men from the 26th minute, the visitors defended resolutely to earn a valuable point.
Pafos forward Bruno was dismissed for a second yellow card after fouling Lorenzo Pirola, leaving his side with a numerical disadvantage. Yet Olympiakos failed to capitalise. Ayoub El Kaabi missed a golden chance early in the second half when his header drifted narrowly wide.
Mehdi Taremi almost found himself sent off in the 70th minute for a rash tackle on Jaja during a Pafos counterattack. However, VAR downgraded his red card to a yellow, keeping the Greek side at full strength.
As the match drew to a close, Olympiakos piled on pressure. Christos Mouzakitis and Taremi both went close in stoppage time, but Pafos held firm with disciplined defending and heroic blocks.
A night of contrasts in Champions League
While Liverpool celebrated another famous European night, Olympiakos were left ruing missed opportunities. Van Dijk’s last-gasp winner reinforced Liverpool’s reputation for drama at Anfield, while Pafos proved that determination and defensive grit can frustrate even the strongest opponents in the Champions League.
