Liverpool needed a stoppage-time header from Virgil van Dijk to secure a dramatic win over Atletico Madrid at Anfield, after letting a two-goal lead slip.
The Reds earned three valuable Champions League points following their opening group stage victory. The match was not only thrilling but also marked a small piece of history.
Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah gave Liverpool a flying start with goals in the opening six minutes, but a brace from Marcos Llorente brought Atletico level and threatened to deny Arne Slot’s side a win. However, captain Van Dijk rose to the occasion in the second minute of added time to clinch victory and ensure a strong start to their group campaign — a stage they topped last season.
Liverpool’s dramatic finish marked the third Premier League win over La Liga opposition this week — a stat Arne Slot might not care for, but a notable one regardless. According to Opta, it’s the first time three English clubs have beaten Spanish sides on the same Champions League group stage matchday.
Arsenal kicked things off with a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club in Tuesday’s early match, with late goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard sealing the win in Bilbao. Later that day, Tottenham Hotspur edged Villarreal 1-0 at home, thanks to an own goal.
Liverpool’s late heroics completed the trio of English wins, and there’s potential for a fourth. This match week spans three days, and two more Premier League teams are yet to play.
On Thursday, Newcastle United will host Barcelona at St James’ Park — a familiar European matchup — while Manchester City take on Napoli at the Etihad, in a game that will see Kevin De Bruyne return from injury and feature ex-Manchester United players Scott McTominay and Rasmus Højlund.
Chelsea, meanwhile, began their group stage campaign with a 3-1 loss to Bayern Munich in Germany on Wednesday.
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