‎How Liverpool snatched dramatic 3-2 thriller over Atletico Madrid in Champions League opener‎

‎By Chioma Obinagwam
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‎The UEFA Champions League league phase opener on September 17, 2025, Liverpool edged Atletico Madrid 3-2 at Anfield, thanks to a stoppage-time header from captain Virgil van Dijk.
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‎Confiance News reports from X trends on Wednesday.
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‎The Reds, under new manager Arne Slot, survived a nervy collapse after racing to an early two-goal lead, securing their first three points in the revamped 2025-26 competition.
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‎The match exploded into life within the opening minutes. Just four minutes in, left-back Andy Robertson surged forward and unleashed a stunning long-range strike that flew past Jan Oblak into the top corner, sending Anfield into raptures. Liverpool’s blistering start continued in the sixth minute when Mohamed Salah, in vintage form, danced through Atletico’s midfield before curling a exquisite finish into the far post. The Egyptian forward’s clinical strike evoked memories of his glory days under Jurgen Klopp, now replaced by Slot’s tactical acumen.
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‎Atletico, coached by the evergreen Diego Simeone, refused to crumble. Their trademark resilience shone in first-half stoppage time when Marcos Llorente pounced on a defensive lapse to halve the deficit with a composed finish. The Spanish side’s pressure intensified after the break, and Llorente struck again in the 81st minute, rifling home from the edge of the box to level the scores at 2-2. Anfield’s roar turned to anxiety as Liverpool’s defense, including a debut appearance from new signing Alexander Isak up front, wobbled under Atletico’s counterattacks. Antoine Griezmann and Giacomo Raspadori tested Alisson Becker repeatedly, but the Brazilian keeper stood tall.
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‎As the clock ticked into the second minute of added time, salvation arrived. A floated corner from Trent Alexander-Arnold found van Dijk unmarked at the back post, and the Dutch defender rose highest to power a header past Oblak. The goal sparked wild celebrations, with Slot punching the air on the touchline. “We showed character tonight,” van Dijk said post-match. “This is just the start under Arne.”
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‎For Atletico, Confiance News gathered, the late heartbreak leaves them pointless in the group, with Simeone lamenting his side’s missed opportunities despite a spirited fightback. Liverpool’s lineups featured a blend of youth and experience: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Endo; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Isak. Atletico countered with Oblak; Galan, Lenglet, Le Normand, Llorente; Gonzalez, Gallagher, Barrios; Simeone, Griezmann, Raspadori.
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‎This pulsating encounter, broadcast on Sony Sports Network, highlighted the Champions League’s new Thursday fixture slot. With 36 teams in the league phase, Liverpool’s resilience positions them well for upcoming clashes, including a trip to Arsenal on October 21. Anfield’s magic prevailed once more, but Slot knows sterner tests await in Europe’s elite showdown.
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