Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid LIVE!
Liverpool left it late in their first Champions League game of the season as Virgil van Dijk rose highest to power home an injury-time winner and seal a 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield. Arne Slot, celebrating his 47th birthday, got three points on the board in the most dramatic of fashions, after the hosts had threatened to run riot on Merseyside.
Andy Robertson opened the scoring - although he knew nothing about it - when Mohamed Salah’s free-kick cannoned in off the left-back, and Salah then had his goal just two minutes later, neatly combining with Ryan Gravenberch to stroke home past Jan Oblak.
Alexander Isak made his debut after his £125million move from Newcastle, and played 57 minutes before being replaced by Hugo Ekitike. Marcos Llorente continued his hot scoring form at Anfield as he prodded home in first-half stoppage time, before he levelled late on in the second period as Atleti looked to have stolen an unlikely point. Van Dijk had the last laugh, however, as he nodded home to plant a header into the corner and spark scenes of jubilation in the Kop.
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid latest news
- GOAL! Van Dijk scores late header
- GOAL! Llorente doubles tally
- CLOSE! Salah crashes the post
- GOAL! Llorente halves deficit
- GOAL! Salah doubles lead superbly
- GOAL! Robertson puts Reds ahead with bizarre opener
Van Dijk the hero as Liverpool snatch late win over Atletico
22:09 , Oli GentWhat a game.
European football is back on our screens, and Arne Slot has the perfect 47th birthday present.
FT: Liverpool 3-2 Atletico Madrid
21:58 , Oli GentThere we have it. Blimey. The Champions League is well and truly back.
Liverpool 3-2 Atletico Madrid
21:57 , Oli Gent90+6 mins: Close! Salah breaks down the right, and he finds Ekitike in the middle, but how does he miss that! It bobbles, and the Frenchman cannot believe it!
Liverpool 3-2 Atletico Madrid
21:56 , Oli Gent90+4 mins: Simeone has been shown a red card, and he is absolutely furious! Is he offering someone out in the crowd? No-one knows.
Goal! Liverpool 3-2 Atletico Madrid
21:54 , Oli Gent90+2 mins: And it’s there! It’s Virgil van Dijk, who loses his man, and powers it into the far corner! The Reds are ahead once more!
Liverpool 2-2 Atletico Madrid
21:53 , Oli Gent90+2 mins: It’s backs to the wall stuff for Atleti now. Liverpool applying all the pressure as Bradley wins a corner off Barrios.
Szoboszlai sends one in from the other side...
Liverpool 2-2 Atletico Madrid
21:53 , Oli Gent90+1 mins: Ngumoha is in the thick of it, winning a corner as the Kop finds its voice once more.
Szoboszlai is over it again, and van Dijk attacks it, but Koke clears.
Liverpool 2-2 Atletico Madrid
21:51 , Oli Gent90 mins: Four added minutes.
Liverpool 2-2 Atletico Madrid
21:50 , Oli Gent89 mins: Another Liverpool corner that Szoboszlai takes. Van Dijk meets it, but it’s deflected behind.
Another set play, and has that gone in? Van Dijk is in there once more, but it hits the side netting! Some in the ground thought that was in!
Liverpool 2-2 Atletico Madrid
21:48 , Oli Gent87 mins: Kerkez is on for Robertson. One last throw of the dice from Slot.
Liverpool 2-2 Atletico Madrid
21:47 , Oli Gent86 mins: Corner, Liverpool.
A chance here for the hosts, as it’s swung in by Szoboszlai. Konate attacks it, and he can only nod wide of the target!
Liverpool 2-2 Atletico Madrid
21:46 , Oli Gent85 mins: Everyone is sitting in defensively for Atletico now. You reckon they’d take this. An unlikely point, perhaps?
Goal! Liverpool 2-2 Atletico Madrid
21:43 , Oli Gent81 mins: It’s Marcos Llorente again, and Liverpool have been pegged back!
Koke does so well to keep the move alive, and Llorente lashes it in with a thunderous volley, via a deflection off Mac Allister!
Game on!
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:41 , Oli Gent80 mins: Moving into the final 10 minutes on Merseyside.
Will we have a late twist in the tale?
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:38 , Oli Gent77 mins: Gonzalez is replaced by Marc Pubill.
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:36 , Oli Gent75 mins: Llorente has a speculative go from the edge of the area and his attempt looks to have taken a deflection off Konate, but a goal kick is given. Simeone is furious, as are his staff, and one of them is booked.
In the other technical area, Rio Ngumoha becomes Liverpool’s youngest ever player in European football, replacing Wirtz.
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:35 , Oli Gent73 mins: What a chance! Salah gets away on the break and wriggles away from Galan down the right side of the box. Oblak doesn’t know whether to stay or come, and Salah looks for Ekitike in the box, but it doesn’t fall for either the striker or Wirtz. Chance missed!
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:32 , Oli Gent71 mins: Bradley is booked as he hauls down Nico Gonzalez.
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:31 , Oli Gent70 mins: The Anfield faithful will definitely want another goal here to feel a lot more assured of victory.
There’s still a nervy air around the place, but it is the hosts in the ascendancy...
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:27 , Oli Gent66 mins: Off the post! Beautiful, sweeping move from Liverpool as Szoboszlai and Wirtz combine, before sliding it across the box for Salah, who must score from close range, but he rattles it off the post! What a counter that was!
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:24 , Oli Gent64 mins: For Atleti, that sub means that Molina will move to right-back, with Llorente now afforded more licence to maraud forward from right midfield.
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:23 , Oli Gent62 mins: Substitution for Atletico as Griezmann is replaced by Alexander Sorloth, and Gallagher is off, with Nahuel Molina on.
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:20 , Oli Gent60 mins: Tactically, what does that mean for the Reds?
I presume that’ll push Szoboszlai into the No10 hole, with Wirtz shifting wide left.
Ekitike will now be the focal point up top.
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:19 , Oli Gent58 mins: Here comes the triple substitution.
Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, and Alexis Mac Allister come on for Frimpong, Isak, and Gakpo.
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:18 , Oli Gent57 mins: Three changes on the way for Liverpool. This might be it for Isak...
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:15 , Oli Gent54 mins: Appeals for a handball as Salah sends in a cross that connects with Gallagher’s arm. The referee waves it away and Wirtz has another go, looking for Isak in the middle, but it’s well defended.
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:14 , Oli Gent53 mins: A first change of the evening as Koke replaces Giacomo Raspadori.
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:11 , Oli Gent50 mins: Atleti have shown great character since going 2-0 down inside six minutes.
They’ve used the ball well when they’ve had it, and they’re growing in confidence.
There’s almost a nervousness going around Anfield at the moment.
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:08 , Oli Gent48 mins: Alexis Mac Allister is already in conversation with Arne Slot.
Could we see the Argentine as the Reds’ first change? If so, who does he replace?
Kick off!
21:06 , Oli Gent46 mins: We’re back underway.
HT: Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
20:53 , Oli GentThere’s the interval.
A bit of a nervier end to the first half than the Reds would have liked.
What will the second 45 have in store?
Goal! Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
20:49 , Oli Gent45+3 mins: Atleti have halved the deficit, on the stroke of half time!
Raspadori peels off the back of van Dijk, is onside, and he picks out Llorente, who stabs home. But is Griezmann obscuring Alisson’s line of sight? VAR is checking... but it stands!
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:47 , Oli Gent45 mins: Four added minutes.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:44 , Oli Gent43 mins: Close! Superb play from Liverpool again as the new signings combine. Wirtz fires a pass into Isak, and goes for the return. Frimpong is also on the scene, but Oblak smothers well.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:42 , Oli Gent41 mins: Another good bit of play from Isak, who has another pop. Fed by Wirtz again, he looks to hold off Llorente and get his shot away, but he can only muster a timid effort that’s easy for Oblak.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:40 , Oli Gent39 mins: Close! That’s Isak’s first attempt at goal in Liverpool red, fed by Wirtz. He takes it on the half-turn, gets it out of his feet, and looks to go for a curler into the far corner, but it’s just wide.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:37 , Oli Gent37 mins: Wirtz delivers, and van Dijk attacks it, but Gonzalez does well to clear. Liverpool can come again.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:36 , Oli Gent37 mins: No penalty, after the review! Corner, Liverpool.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:36 , Oli Gent36 mins: Penalty? Good play down the right from Frimpong, who wins a corner from the sliding Clement Lenglet as he looks for the cut-back.
However, the linesman has indicated a handball, and the referee points to the spot! That seems harsh, and VAR is checking this...
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:34 , Oli Gent34 mins: Galan is getting treatment after a heavy collision.
The left-back is fine, however, barring a bit of a nosebleed.
No sympathy from his manager, but who is surprised?
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:32 , Oli Gent31 mins: Salah has a timid effort at goal claimed by Oblak at the second time of asking, but the big concern is that Isak is down in pain.
The tackle comes in from Le Normand, who clatters the Swede, stepping on his right foot, and he gets a yellow for his challenge on his former Real Sociedad team-mate.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:30 , Oli Gent29 mins: Some good mixing up of build-up from Liverpool.
Sometimes they’re playing it short and incisive, and at others, they’re looking to go quickly over the top, utilising the pace of their forwards in behind.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:26 , Oli Gent26 mins: Isak clears for the hosts, and there’s an opportunity for a break with Frimpong, but Barrios sweeps up for Atleti.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:25 , Oli Gent25 mins: A bit more from Atleti in these past few moments, but it’s still been comfortable for the Reds in these early stages.
Simeone has been a bright spark down the right, and he feeds Gallagher on the underlap. Van Dijk comes across to defend it and concedes the corner, which Gonzalez will take.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:22 , Oli Gent22 mins: Close! What an effort that is from Salah, who bursts into life as he cuts inside off the right, onto his left. He lets a thunderous attempt fly, and it whizzes just wide of the far post!
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:21 , Oli Gent20 mins: It’s been all Liverpool in this first quarter.
The hosts, buoyed by the raucous home support, are in full control, knocking the ball about as easily as they like.
Atleti, in their two banks of four, are letting them have it. Been quite the one-sided affair so far.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:18 , Oli Gent17 mins: Uncertain times in the Liverpool box as Gallagher delivers a lovely ball, which Raspadori tries to take down, but it won’t fall for him to strike. The Reds eventually clear, but that does show again that they are not fully secure at the back.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:16 , Oli Gent15 mins: Corner, Atletico.
Griezmann is over it, but van Dijk clears authoritatively at the near post. Simeone is going berserk in the technical area.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:14 , Oli Gent13 mins: How do Atletico recover from this?
Liverpool are rampant in these early exchanges. Isak gets his first real involvement as the Reds try and work it neatly around the edge of the Atleti box, but they’re forced back.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:11 , Oli Gent10 mins: Gravenberch produces an exquisite turn and sends his marker to the shops.
Simeone challenges with Robertson for a bouncing ball, but the Scot is too forceful with his arm and the visitors get the free kick.
Goal! Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:07 , Oli Gent6 mins: It’s two in as many minutes, and Salah has his 45th Champions League goal.
This is magnificent. Salah goes for the return from Gravenberch, gets himself between the two defenders, and finishes with aplomb!
What a start!
Goal! Liverpool 1-0 Atletico Madrid
20:05 , Oli Gent4 mins: Salah is over the set piece, joined by Wirtz, but you’d expect, from this angle, tucked to the right of the box, it will suit the left foot of Salah better.
The Egyptian steps up... goes low, and it takes a deflection and it bobbles in! Andy Robertson peels away in celebration, claiming it! Liverpool lead!
Liverpool 0-0 Atletico Madrid
20:03 , Oli Gent3 mins: Free kick, Liverpool.
A good start from the hosts with some fast, intricate build-up, and Gravenberch is clattered by Lenglet on the edge of the box. Chance here.
Kick off!
20:01 , Oli Gent1 min: We’re underway.
Five minutes to kick off
19:55 , Oli GentThe players are on their way out, and the Anfield atmosphere is building.
It’s time for the first You’ll Never Walk Alone of the Champions League campaign.
Roberton's pre-match thoughts
19:50 , Oli GentHere’s Andy Robertson ahead of his first start of the season...
"I knew if I kept doing what I was doing, I'd get my chance" 💬
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 17, 2025
Andy Robertson speaks ahead of his first start of the season for Liverpool against Atlético Madrid.
🎙️ @julesbreach
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/XcqhFAoIeu
Slot speaks on Isak
19:40 , Oli GentHere is the Liverpool manager on why he selected his star summer signing this evening for this first start...
"This was the plan all along" 🇸🇪
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 17, 2025
Arne Slot addresses why he chose tonight for Alexander Isak's Liverpool debuts and the versatile attacking options at his disposal.
🎙️ @laura_woodsy
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/UCNp337820
Liverpool vs Atletico odds
19:30 , Oli GentLiverpool to win: 1/2
Atletico Madrid to win: 4/1
Draw: 13/5
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Liverpool lineup analysis
19:15 , Oli GentLet’s dissect this team selection, shall we?
It’s as expected from Slot, to be honest, but there is a surprise at left-back, with the Dutchman plumping for more experience with Andy Robertson ahead of new signing Milos Kerkez.
That’s telling, with the nature of Atletico’s playstyle and typical aggression and gamesmanship. What’s also interesting is that Robertson was heavily linked with a move to the La Liga side over the summer.
That did not materialise, with Kostas Tsimikas leaving instead.
Elsewhere, Jeremie Frimpong makes his first start since returning from injury, and Dominik Szoboszlai comes back into midfield having deputised at right-back in recent weeks.
He partners Ryan Gravenberch, with the Hungarian the more box-to-box of the pair, and the Dutchman with greater defensive duties.
Florian Wirtz will have complete creative freedom, feeding the likes of Isak, Gakpo, and Salah up top.
Isak starts!
19:05 , Oli GentThere it is, folks.
Watch it, drink it in. The moment you’ve all been waiting for. Probably.
Alexander Isak will play his first minutes as a Liverpool player, and he leads the line, flanked by Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo. Quite the front three.
Behind him, he’s got fellow £100million man (plus) Florian Wirtz to feed him, and Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch as the supporting midfielders.
Atletico lineup
18:51 , Oli GentConfirmed Atletico XI: Oblak; Llorente, Lenglet, Le Normand, Galan; Simeone, Gallagher, Barrios, Gonzalezl Griezmann, Raspadori.
Subs: Musso, Esquivel, Ruggeri, Molina, Hancko, Pubill, Koke, Taufik, Rayane, Sorloth, Martin.
Liverpool lineup
18:48 , Oli GentConfirmed Liverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Gakpo, Wirtz, Salah; Isak.
Subs: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Gomez, Endo, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Bradley, Leoni, Ekitike, Danns, Ngumoha.
The stage is set at Anfield!
18:35 , Oli GentThis is Anfield ❤️ pic.twitter.com/KoHEkQAkD5
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 17, 2025
Will Isak make his debut?
18:25 , Oli GentIt seems likely.
Arne Slot said in his pre-match press conference that the Swede would be in the squad, having trained in the days leading up to the game.
"Definitely a chance because he's in the squad and the chance to play,” Slot said.
“I would usually say 99.9% sure but I can say 100% sure he will not play 90 minutes but he's part of the squad.
"It's already a Champions League game to look forward to but if people look forward to his playing time that could mean that could happen tomorrow as well.
"The only thing we're sure of is he will not play 90."
Standard Sport prediction
18:15 , Oli GentOff form alone, this should be a routine Liverpool victory, but Atletico are always a tricky customer in the Champions League.
The last two times these teams met, the La Liga outfit had a man sent off, with Felipe dismissed in a 2-0 defeat at Anfield back in November 2021, before Antoine Griezmann saw red in the reverse group stage fixture at the Estadio Metropolitano, where Liverpool emerged 3-2 victors.
They were frustrated against Burnley at the weekend, but eventually found a way to win, and this should be another difficult encounter for them, but one that they should take maximum points from.
Liverpool to win, 1-0
Atletico team news
18:05 , Oli GentAs for the visitors, there are five key players that they are missing from their travelling party.
Former Man City striker Julian Alvarez headlines that list, having been withdrawn from their 2-0 win over Villarreal last weekend.
Also not travelling are Jose Maria Gimenez, Alex Baena, Johnny Cardoso and Thiago Almada.
Liverpool team news
17:55 , Oli GentThe big question on everyone’s lips is whether Alexander Isak will make his debut for his new side tonight.
The Sweden international is yet to play for the Reds since his £125million move from Newcastle, having been omitted from the matchday squad in the win over Burnley.
He is included here, but whether he is in the starting XI or amongst the substitutes remains to be seen.
As for other Liverpool news, Alexis Mac Allister could return to the squad after he was spotted training ahead of this game, although Curtis Jones is a doubt after he missed the Burnley fixture with a knock.
How to watch
17:45 , Oli GentTV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 1. Coverage will begin at 7pm BST ahead of an 8pm kick-off.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Hello and welcome!
17:30 , Oli Gent... to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Liverpool’s first game of their Champions League campaign.
Up first, Arne Slot’s side take on Atletico Madrid at Anfield, with kick off at 8pm BST.
Stay tuned for all the updates!
