Arne Slot’s Liverpool left it late once again to secure three points on the opening night of this season’s Champions League. Virgil van Dijk found the back of the net with a header in added time to continue the Merseysiders’ dramatic ending to matches so far this season.
It was a blink and you miss it first half at Anfield. Just four minutes were on the clock when the home side took the lead, after a poorly struck Mohamed Salah free-kick deflected off Andy Robertson and trickled into the back of the net. There was no shaming Salah for his wonder goal moments later though, as the Egyptian danced through the Atletico defence in trademark fashion to put the six-time champions 2-0 up. Liverpool took their foot off the gas before the break, with the Spanish side capitalising on that. Marcos Llorente netted a dubious goal for the away team, helping to reduce the arrears just before the break.
There was a nervousness about Liverpool’s play for most of the second half, as Atletico began to come out of their shell a little more. Llorente once again flashed a shot goalwards. It was no surprise when Llorente – albeit with the help of a massive deflection – netted an equaliser for the Madrid-based outfit. It didn’t prove enough, though, with Van Dijk delivering the winner late on before Diego Simeone flew into a fit of rage and was sent off. Express Sport hands out player ratings after another dramatic European night at Anfield.
Alisson – 6
Was understandably claiming offside for the Atletico first and the shot-stopper was perhaps unfortunate the goal wasn’t chalked off.
Jeremie Frimpong – 6
Given his style of play and Atletico’s 10-at-the-back set-up, it’s no surprise the Dutchman spent the majority of the contest inside the opposition half. Didn’t particularly catch the eye with his performance, but it’s minutes in the legs after a recent injury.
Virgil van Dijk – 8
There are few surprises with the veteran defender’s performances anymore. Perhaps the only shock is that he continues to impress deep into his mid-30s. Popped up when his side needed him most and not for the first time in his Liverpool career.
Ibrahima Konate – 6
Makes up part of Liverpool’s strongest centre-back partnership and remained a presence in the box for set-pieces, at both ends of the pitch.
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Andy Robertson – 6
Was brought into the starting XI after Milos Kerkez’s shaky showing against Burnley, and certainly showed his experience to deal with Atletico’s dark arts.
Ryan Gravenberch – 8
A revelation last season and he appears to have picked up where he left off this time around. Crucial to everything Slot and Liverpool want to do on and off the ball.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7
Provided much-needed energy in the middle of the park and helped link defence to attack. Could’ve probably done a little bit better with his dead ball deliveries.
Florian Wirtz – 6
Enjoyed some fleeting moments but didn’t exactly dazzle, either in midfield or attack. It’s early days for the German, who is still getting to grips with his new team-mates.
Mohamed Salah – 8
By far and away the best player on the pitch, and it wasn’t even particularly close. Had no right to pick up an assist for a pretty bobbins free-kick, but his goal just two minutes later was a sight to behold.
Alexander Isak – 6
Considering the Swedish striker has barely played this season, it wasn’t a bad first outing for his new club. Had a couple of snapshots in the first half, but they didn’t exactly trouble the Atletico goalkeeper.
Cody Gakpo – 5
Far too predictable every time he picked up possession in the Atletico half, with the visitors’ defence quickly figuring him out. There’s plenty of competition for places in that Liverpool attack and he’ll have to up his game if he wants to hold down a spot.
Substitutes:
Hugo Ekitike – 7
He’s been the standout performer for Liverpool this season and showed his class once more off the bench.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6
Put himself about in the middle of the park, but was largely ineffective on the ball.
Conor Bradley – 6
Helped shut down the space on the right-hand side when Atletico began showing a little more ambition.
Rio Ngumoha – 6
Wasn’t afraid to get on the ball when he came off the bench with 15 or so minutes to play.
Milos Kerkez – N/A