Liverpool delivered another dramatic European night at Anfield, claiming a 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in their Champions League opener on Wednesday night.
Fans were on their feet inside six minutes as Mohamed Salah’s deflected free-kick was poked home by Andy Robertson to give Liverpool the perfect start. Just two minutes later, Salah doubled the lead after a slick one-two with Ryan Gravenberch and some dazzling footwork saw him slide the ball past Jan Oblak. The Kop was bouncing, dreaming of a rout.
However, as is becoming typical with Liverpool this season, the drama was far from over. Atletico began to grow into the game and, just before half-time, Anfield’s nerves were tested as Marcos Llorente capitalised on a fortunate break to pull one back. His second, a wickedly dipping volley in the 81st minute that deflected off Alexis Mac Allister, brought back memories of past Anfield heartbreak.
Anfield, though, is never quiet for long. Deep into stoppage time, Dominik Szoboszlai’s dangerous corner found captain Virgil van Dijk, whose bullet header sent the stadium into delirium.
Slot’s men had once again snatched victory in the dying minutes. Robertson and Salah were immense, while debutant Alexander Isak showed flashes but clearly needs match sharpness. It wasn’t vintage defending, but the spirit and belief coursing through this side is impossible to ignore.
Another late show, another night that underlines why Liverpool under the lights in Europe are never, ever to be written off.
