The highly anticipated match at Anfield on 17/9 was a dramatic affair. Liverpool started strong, taking a 2-0 lead within the first 6 minutes thanks to goals from Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah. However, midfielder Marcos Llorente pulled one back in first-half stoppage time and then surprisingly leveled the score at 2-2 in the 81st minute.

Atletico's hopes of securing a point were dashed in second-half stoppage time when Virgil van Dijk headed home from a Dominik Szoboszlai corner to seal a 3-2 victory for Liverpool. Anfield erupted in celebration, while cameras captured Simeone in a heated exchange with a fan seated behind the Atletico dugout.

Diego Simeone confronts Liverpool fans after Atletico Madrid's defeat at Anfield, Liverpool, UK, during the Champions League match on 17/9/2025. *Screenshot*

According to a nearby TNT Sports reporter, the Argentinian manager appeared to be heading towards the fan, who was allegedly mocking him after the late goal. Security personnel and members of Atletico's coaching staff intervened, pulling Simeone away. The 55-year-old manager continued to argue with the fourth official about the incident, but instead of receiving sympathy, he was shown a straight red card by referee Maurizio Mariani.

British media described Simeone as "losing control" in response to the fan's provocation. However, his reaction and subsequent dismissal overshadowed his team's valiant performance.

Liverpool maintained their perfect start to the season. Prior to their victory over Atletico, they had also defeated Bournemouth, Newcastle, Arsenal, and Burnley, all with late goals. "We found a way to win again," Van Dijk told TNT Sports after the match. "I had half a meter of space, but that's enough to score."

Simeone stated he had been subjected to insults and abuse from fans behind the dugout throughout the match. The red card puts him at risk of a touchline ban for future games. Atletico's next Champions League match is at home against Frankfurt on 30/9.

Compiled by Hoang An