Virgil van Dijk Saves Liverpool FC With Wild Last-Minute Winner vs Atletico Madrid

Liverpool kicked off their 2025/26 Champions League campaign with a heart-racing 3–2 win over Atletico Madrid at Anfield on September 17. What started as a comfortable stroll turned into a tense battle, with Liverpool’s early two-goal cushion erased before they snatched the win in stoppage time.

Goals from Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah were cancelled out by a brace from Marcos Llorente, only for Virgil van Dijk to rise as the last-minute hero. It was the perfect mix of chaos, grit, and pure Anfield drama.

Early Onslaught Stuns Atletico Madrid

Liverpool wasted no time announcing itself. From the opening whistle, they played at a blistering pace, pressing high and stretching Atletico’s backline. Robertson sparked the party in 12 minutes, bursting down the left before smashing a precise shot into the bottom corner. Not long after, Salah doubled the lead with his trademark composure, cutting inside and curling the ball beyond the keeper.

For a brief spell, it looked like Atletico were sinking under the red tide. Under new boss Arne Slot, Liverpool’s attack felt fresh, fluid and relentless, with sharp passing and relentless pressure that had the Spanish side scrambling to keep up.

Llorente Drags Atletico Back

Just as the home fans began to settle into celebration mode, Marcos Llorente flipped the script. The tireless midfielder clawed Atletico back into the game with a beautifully curled finish that silenced the Kop. Ten minutes later, he struck again, timing his run perfectly to tap home from close range.

His brace didn’t just even the score; it rattled Liverpool’s rhythm and lit a fire under the visitors. Suddenly, every touch from Atletico had menace. Liverpool, who had looked so comfortable, were forced onto the back foot and were fighting to regain control.

Liverpool’s Late Heroics Seal the Win

If there’s one thing this team refuses to do, it’s fold under pressure. In the dying minutes, with nerves fraying, Liverpool earned a corner. Up strode Virgil van Dijk, calm, towering, and determined. He rose above everyone and buried a thunderous header in the 92nd minute, sending Anfield into absolute chaos.

That goal didn’t just secure the points. It marked Liverpool’s fifth straight win under Arne Slot, a decision made after the 80th minute, a growing trademark of their resilience. New signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz also made their debuts, hinting at the depth and ambition fueling this new era. If this wild opener is any sign, Liverpool’s Champions League journey is going to be a thrilling ride.