Liverpool have only gone and done it again! For the fifth game in a row, the relentless Reds managed to win a game that appeared destined to end in a draw by netting a late winner. This time, captain Virgil van Dijk was Liverpool's hero, heading home a 92nd-minute corner from Dominik Szoboszlai to earn his side a 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield.
Arne Slot's side had initially looked set to claim a comfortable win in their Champions League opener, after scoring twice inside the opening six minutes through Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah. However, Marcos Llorente, who loves a goal against Liverpool, pulled one back for Atleti just before half-time and struck again with a deflected volley from outside the area with just nine minutes to go.
Liverpool weren't done, though. They never are these days, and Van Dijk sent the home fans wild with his late intervention to kick off Liverpool's bid for a seventh European Cup in the most dramatic fashion possible. Below, GOAL rates all of the Reds on show in a chaotic clash on Merseyside that ended with Atleti coach Diego Simeone being sent off!
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Alisson Becker (6/10):
The Brazilian was also rightly furious that Llorente's goal was allowed to stand – as Antoine Griezmann was standing right in front of him in an offside position. Nothing he could have done about the equaliser either, as it took a wicked deflection.
Jeremie Frimpong (6/10):
Recalled to the starting line-up after his recent injury lay-off and was typically lively down the right flank and really should have scored after being teed up by Wirtz only to completely miss his kick.
Ibrahima Konate (7/10):
An assured display from the France international, who has responded very well to Liverpool's failed attempt to sign Marc Guehi during the international break. Konate was his usual strong self in the air but also distributed the ball excellently.
Virgil van Dijk (9/10):
Liverpool's Captain Fantastic. The Dutchman was his usual dominant self in defence. He won everything in the air and was typically excellent on the ball. Then, when Liverpool needed another late winner, he stepped up to the mark.
Andy Robertson (7/10):
Got the nod at left-back ahead of struggling summer signing Milos Kerkez and did his chances of holding onto the spot no harm at all – even if he knew absolutely nothing about his goal.
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Ryan Gravenberch (8/10):
Slot's most important player was outstanding, particularly during the first half. Gravenberch effectively created the game's opening two goals, by winning the free-kick that led to the deadlock being broken and then putting Salah through to score.
Dominik Szoboszlai (7/10):
Another dynamic display from the multi-talented Hungarian, who did an excellent job controlling the game with Gravenberch. Szoboszlai's versatility, energy and dead-ball deliveries are such wonderful assets.
Florian Wirtz (7/10):
Another step in the right direction for the £100 million man, who created more chances than any other player on the pitch (five) with his dribbling skills, deft touches and clever movement. So unlucky not to register at least one assist after putting the ball on a plate for both Frimpong and Salah.
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Mohamed Salah (8/10):
Perhaps buoyed by his crucial penalty at Burnley on Sunday, the Egyptian turned in his most effective performance of the season so far. Salah's role in the opener was fortuitous but his control and finish for Liverpool's second goal was pure class.
Alexander Isak (6/10):
A surprise starter given he wasn't even on the bench at Turf Moor but the Swede looked surprisingly sharp during his 57 minutes of action and already appears to be developing a good understanding with Wirtz.
Cody Gakpo (4/10):
A very flat performer from a player that started the season well. Make no mistake about it: Gakpo's starting spot is now under serious pressure with Isak now fit to play, given Ekitike is a legitimate option on the left wing.
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Hugo Ekitike (6/10):
Unlucky to be left out of the starting line-up for the Champions League opener but brought on just before the hour mark. Showed some good touches but missed a great chance to score in the dying seconds – even if Salah's cross came at an awkward height.
Alexis Mac Allister (5/10):
After picking up a knock at the weekend, the Argentine was unsurprisingly utilised as a second-half sub. Struggled to get up to speed, though, and it was his trailing leg that deflected Llorente's shot past Allison.
Conor Bradley (5/10):
Took over at right-back from Frimpong for the final 30 minutes but didn't offer the same attacking threat. Also booked after being beaten high up the field.
Rio Ngumoha (N/A):
Only introduced for the final 15 minutes.
Milos Kerkez (N/A):
Replaced Robertson not long before the full-time whistle.
Arne Slot (6/10):
A mixed bag for Slot. His team arguably played their best football of the season in the first half and had several chances to kill the game before conceding an unfortunate late leveller. If there's one criticism, though, it's that, for once, his substitutions didn't really work, with the decision to take off Wirtz particularly puzzling.
