Liverpool's victory was harder fought than expected after they let a two-goal lead slip away. Goals from Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah in the first six minutes suggested a comfortable win. However, Marcos Llorente's brace leveled the score, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. In the final minute, Liverpool's captain, Van Dijk, headed home from a corner to seal a 3-2 win, sending Anfield into raptures.

Defender Van Dijk celebrates his winning goal against Atletico at Anfield, Liverpool, Merseyside, England on 17/9. *Reuters*

Many anticipated Alexander Isak would start his Liverpool career on the bench, but manager Arne Slot opted to test the striker's fitness with a place in the starting lineup. Atletico arrived at Anfield with just one win in their first four La Liga matches. Perhaps influenced by their recent match against Burnley, they adopted a defensive approach. Manager Diego Simeone deployed his traditional 4-4-2 formation, with Conor Gallagher the sole English player in either starting eleven, playing in midfield.

Atletico's tactical discipline was quickly undone when Ryan Gravenberch was fouled near the penalty area in the 4th minute. Salah's low shot deflected off Robertson, leaving Jan Oblak stranded.

The early goal disrupted Atletico's rhythm and boosted Liverpool's confidence. While the first goal had an element of luck, the second was a display of quality. Gravenberch was again instrumental, combining with Salah, who expertly controlled the ball in the box before firing past Oblak. In under six minutes, Liverpool were 2-0 up, their fastest two-goal start in European competition.

Liverpool's fluid passing stretched Atletico's defense and midfield. Salah nearly added a third, but the visitors held on. Given Liverpool's tendency for late winners in this season's Premier League, the early 2-0 lead offered a sense of comfort to the Anfield crowd.

Salah (center) celebrates with teammates after scoring Liverpool's second goal against Atletico. *Reuters*

Referee Maurizio Mariani awarded Liverpool a penalty for a perceived handball by Clement Lenglet from Jeremie Frimpong's cross, but overturned his decision after consulting VAR.

Atletico threatened down the right flank with dangerous crosses but lacked a cutting edge in attack without Julian Alvarez. It took until first-half stoppage time for Marcos Llorente to pull one back with a deft finish.

New signing Isak's most notable moment came when Robin Le Normand stamped on his foot. The Atletico defender received a yellow card, while Isak required treatment. As he rose, the stadium buzzed with anticipation for their new number 9. Isak returned for the second half but was later substituted for Hugo Ekitike in the 58th minute.

Simeone instructed his team to be more adventurous in attack while maintaining their pressing intensity. Buoyed by their goal, Atletico were more proactive, but Liverpool remained dangerous with Salah's energy and Wirtz finding space.

However, both teams lacked the final pass in crucial moments. Oblak was fortunate when Szoboszlai burst through the middle, only for Wirtz to inadvertently block his teammate's shot. Salah then hit the post with the goal gaping.

The tension ratcheted up as Liverpool failed to put the game to bed. Llorente signaled his threat with a curling shot that went wide. Those warnings were not heeded, and Llorente, now operating in central midfield, capitalized on a loose ball to volley from outside the box. The shot deflected off Alexis MacAllister, leaving Alisson helpless and silencing Anfield while Atletico's small contingent of fans erupted. It was Llorente's second brace at Anfield.

Llorente (blue) has scored seven away goals in the Champions League, four of which have come at Anfield. *Reuters*

But Van Dijk emerged as the hero, heading home the decisive goal to secure a late victory, sparking Simeone's fury and subsequent dismissal for his excessive reaction. Liverpool's five consecutive wins have all been decided by goals after the 80th minute, a thrilling but potentially concerning trend for their fans.

Vy Anh