In an electrifying match to kick off the Champions League, Atlético Madrid ultimately lost 3-2 to Liverpool. A painful result after trailing 2-0 and managing to equalize.

A goal by Virgil van Dijk in the 90'+2 minute sealed the defeat, leading to Diego Pablo Simeone, Atlético's coach, being caught confronting the Anfield stands.

The Moment Simeone Confronts the Crowd

Atlético de Madrid was on the verge of another historic night at Anfield when Marcos Llorente scored to make it 2-2 in the dying moments. However, Virgil van Dijk emerged in the 92nd minute to give Liverpool a dramatic 3-2 victory, leaving Simeone’s reaction unrewarded in the Champions League.

A Nightmarish Start at Anfield

The Rojiblancos were on the ropes from the 3rd minute. A rebound after a foul by Salah put them down 1-0, and just two minutes later, the Egyptian himself made it 2-0 with a lethal play alongside Gravenberch. In less than six minutes, Atlético de Madrid was reeling against a voracious Liverpool.

The Comeback with Marcos Llorente

Simeone’s team survived as best they could and came alive on the edge of halftime with Llorente’s goal, which cut the deficit after a great sequence with Raspadori. That strike shifted the mindset of the Colchoneros, who in the second half truly competed on equal terms at Anfield.

The pressure paid off in the 80th minute, when a shot from Llorente, deflected by Mac Allister, leveled the score at 2-2. Memories of the historic 2020 victory flooded back for the red-and-white supporters.

Van Dijk Seals Atlético’s Fate in the 92nd Minute

When it seemed Atlético would escape Anfield with a point, Virgil van Dijk struck. The Dutch center-back rose above Robin Le Normand and headed home the decisive 3-2 in stoppage time, ruining the Colchoneros’ heroic effort.

A Tough Blow in the Champions League

Atlético, playing without Julián Álvarez, Johnny Cardoso, Álex Baena, Thiago Almada, and Josema Giménez, came close to a feat but leaves Anfield with a bitter taste once again. For Liverpool, bolstered by multimillion-euro signings like Alexander Isak, the win confirms their candidacy for the 2025/26 Champions League title.