Liverpool left it late once again as Virgil van Dijk's header in added time got them off to a winning start in the Champions League with a 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid.
In what is becoming something of a pattern this season, Arne Slot's side allowed a two-goal lead to slip before producing another dramatic finish.
For the fifth successive time, they scored a winner later than the 83rd minute with their captain heading home a corner two minutes into the additional period.
While Anfield went wild, tempestuous Atleti coach Diego Simeone argued with fans behind his dugout and after being pulled away was sent off by referee Maurizio Mariani.
Follow all the latest updates with our live blog below:
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid live
- Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 as Diego Simeone sent off in wild finish at Anfield
- 90+2' GOAL! Liverpool find another late goal as Van Dijk heads in corner [LIV 3-2 ATM]
- 81 GOAL! Llorente stuns Anfield to level for Atletico with his second [LIV 2-2 ATM]
- 45+2 GOAL! Llorente pokes in as Atletico respond before half time [LIV 2-1 ATM[
- 6' GOAL! Salah finishes lovely move as Liverpool make dream start [LIV 2-0 ATM]
- 2' GOAL! Liverpool lead as Salah's free-kick deflects in off Robertson [LIV 1-0 ATM]
- Alexander Isak makes first Liverpool start but replaced by Hugo Ekitike after 56 mins
It can’t carry on like this, can it? Ridiculous Liverpool maintain winning start
07:00 , Richard JollyInjury time is Arne time. Liverpool marked Arne Slot’s 47th birthday in what has become trademark fashion: with another decisive late goal. The specialists in drama at the death conjured a victory they seemed to have tossed away. Virgil van Dijk planted a 92nd-minute header into the Atletico Madrid net. Like Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha, like Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah before him, he got Liverpool a win from the jaws of a draw. “We found a way to win,” said Van Dijk. They have done it four times in the Premier League, now once in the Champions League.
Logically it cannot carry on like this. But, somehow, it did carry on like this.
It can’t carry on like this, can it? Ridiculous Liverpool maintain winning start
Liverpool find a way again
06:00 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool won thanks to a late goal for the fifth game in a row this season.
Virgil van Dijk’s 92 minute goal was still only the third-latest Liverpool have scored to win a match, after Salah’s penalty at Burnley and Ngumoah’s at Newcastle.
"I think we showed many times that we are capable of doing it,” Van Dijk said.
“Today I was the lucky one with the winner and we move on.”
Liverpool boss Arne Slot assesses Alexander Isak's debut
05:00 , Jamie Braidwood“In the 60 minutes he played he seemed to be quite fit to me. It wasn't as if after 10 minutes he was already very tired. He could play at this level quite well after one or two weeks of team sessions.
"So that was the thing and he can play football and that he's a joy to watch and that is not a surprise to me. He was fitter than I expected but the fans can't get their hopes too high. We play three times a week and that's a bit too much for him still.
"We have two great number nines and we're going to use both of them throughout their career here."
It's getting silly: Van Dijk sends Anfield wild with late winner
04:00 , Richard JollyLiverpool rallied, as they have before. Ridiculously, Van Dijk’s goal was only their third latest this season – Salah at Burnley and Ngumoha struck even deeper into matches. Another late, late show. And Isak, watching on from the bench by then, must be wondering what, exactly, he has joined.
VIRGIL VAN DIJK STEPS UP IN INJURY TIME 🔴
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 17, 2025
Another late goal from Liverpool surely wins it against Atlético Madrid!
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Marcos Llorente strikes again at Anfield in Atletico fightback
03:00 , Richard JollyAtletico Madrid found a talisman in Marcos Llorente. The midfielder has only scored seven Champions League goals, but four have come at Anfield.
He halved the deficit when he poked in a shot after a pass from Giacomo Raspadori. Alisson was aggrieved that the offside Antoine Griezmann was in his line of vision.
Llorente levelled with a sweetly-struck volley that nevertheless took a sizeable deflection off Alexis Mac Allister. Given the unwitting role Robertson played in the opener, Liverpool could scarcely complain.
MARCOS LLORENTE SCORES AGAIN 😲
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 17, 2025
An ambitious effort deflects in and Atlético Madrid have come from two down at Anfield!
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Electric Salah doubles Liverpool's lead inside six minutes
02:00 , Richard JollyLiverpool’s second was altogether more intentional and typical, the type of one-two Mohamed Salah often plays as he cuts infield. Ryan Gravenberch, who had won the free kick for the opener, returned the ball to him. Salah angled a shot past Oblak.
Salah was electric, close to a spectacular second with a curling shot, denied by the post when he should have extended Liverpool’s lead.
There are days when he seems impossible to contain. This was the first such occasion in the current campaign.
A lightning quick start from Liverpool ⚡️
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 17, 2025
Mo Salah doubles the Reds' lead inside six minutes!
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Scrappy Andy Robertson goal gives Liverpool an early lead
01:00 , Jamie Braidwood"I was just trying to get in the line of the keeper, so he couldn't see,” Robertson said. “It's a great finish, give me the Puskas award now! But no, honestly I didn't know anything about it. It was a great start and thank goodness it went in.”
A deflected free-kick off Andy Robertson gives Liverpool an early lead against Atlético Madrid ⏱️
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 17, 2025
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Virgil van Dijk's assessment of Alexander Isak's debut
00:00 , Jamie BraidwoodIsak played 58 minutes before he was replaced by Hugo Ekitike and showed some bright moments.
“He did really well, held the ball up and linked play really well,” Van Dijk said. “He’s a very good player and we know there’s more to come from him.”
Arne Slot: 'We could have made it easier for ourselves'
23:30 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool boss Arne Slot said his team could have made it easier for themselves in beating Atletico Madrid but praised his side’s mentality in finding another late goal in their Champions League opener.
“If you want to beat a team like Atletico that has a great mentality you have to beat them using their weapons as well, and that is mentality. That’s what we showed today. But I think we should have made it easier for ourselves,” Slot said.
“In moments, we gave away something. It wasn’t a complete surprise to me that it was 2-1 at half time, because they were coming more. We need to find a better balance to not give away too much at the end of the first half.”
Andy Robertson: 'We need to get back to winning easier'
23:10 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool’s run of late wins isn’t good for their supporters’ health, Andy Robertson joked, including that of Arne Slot’s assistant Sipke Hulshoff.
"We need to get back to winning a bit simpler and easier,” Robertson told TNT Sports. “The assistant manager turned to me when Virgil put it in and said he's getting too old for it, so I can't imagine what the fans are like.
“It's a great thing to have, being able to keep going until the end. When you're 2-0 up and playing so well in the first half it should've been a more comfortable night."
Diego Simeone explains altercation with Liverpool fan at Anfield
22:50 , Jamie BraidwoodAtletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has said he was “insulted” by a Liverpool supporter at Anfield, leading to his altercation at the end of his team’s defeat to the Reds.
Simeone was seen arguing with fans behind his dugout after Virgil van Dijk’s late winner and the fiery Argentine was pulled away as stewards stepped in.
“We are in a place where we don’t have a right to reply or react and it is never good when we react as managers,” Simeone said.
“When they scored the third goal, he turned round and insulted me. I am a person, I am human.”
Enraged Diego Simeone sees red for altercation with Liverpool fan after late winner
22:32 , Jamie BraidwoodAtletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone had to be held back by stewards as he engaged in screaming match with a fan moments after Liverpool’s late winner in the Champions League.
Simeone was shown a red card for his reaction, with the TV cameras picking up a Liverpool supporter cheering in the Argentinian’s face as he was squared up to.
The altercation occurred in the midst of wild celebrations over yet another last-gasp goal from Arne Slot’s side, with captain Virgil van Dijk heading past Jan Oblak in the 92nd minute.
Enraged Diego Simeone sees red for altercation with Liverpool fan after late winner
It can’t carry on like this, can it? Ridiculous Liverpool maintain winning start
22:31 , Richard JollyInjury time is still Arne time. On Arne Slot’s 47th birthday, Liverpool extended their extraordinary run of decisive late goals. The specialists in drama at the death conjured a victory they seemed to have tossed away. Virgil van Dijk planted a 92nd-minute header into the Atletico Madrid net.
Like Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha, like Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah before him, he got Liverpool a win from the jaws of a draw. In the Champions League as in the Premier League, they found a way to win.
Report from Anfield
It can’t carry on like this, can it? Ridiculous Liverpool maintain winning start
Liverpool's late goals this season
22:12 , Jamie BraidwoodIt can’t go on, can it?
Liverpool 4-2 Bournemouth (88’, 94’)
Newcastle 1-2 Liverpool (100’)
Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal (85’)
Burnley 0-1 Liverpool (95’)
Liverpool 3-2 Atletico (92’)
Diego Simeone sent off at Anfield
22:09 , Jamie BraidwoodSimeone was sent off for an apparent confrontation with a fan in the Main Stand, following Van Dijk’s winner.
Wild.
Virgil van Dijk: 'We kept on pushing'
22:07 , Jamie Braidwood“It should have been 3-1 and we concede the equaliser. It wasn’t great but we found a way again. We were dangerous on set-pieces.
“They are a team that never gives up. After the break we tried to go for 3-1 but we showed the resilience we have. It’s another great European night here.
“We’ve showed many times that we are capable of doing it.”
Van Dijk replies “no” when asked if there are any concerns defensively.
FULL TIME! Liverpool 3-2 Atletico Madrid
21:59 , Jamie BraidwoodABSOLUTE MADNESS BUT LIVERPOOL MAKE IT FIVE WINS FROM FIVE!
Van Dijk is the hero in front of the Kop after Llorente’s double looked to have denied them!
Liverpool 3-2 Atletico Madrid
21:58 , Jamie Braidwood90+6 mins: SORLOTH WITH A GOLDEN CHANCE IN FRONT FO THE POSTS BUT HE HEADS STRAIGHT AT ALISSON!
Liverpool 3-2 Atletico Madrid
21:57 , Jamie Braidwood90+5 mins: IT HAS TO BE FOUR! Salah is offside but Ekitike misses from two yards out!
Liverpool 3-2 Atletico Madrid
21:57 , Jamie Braidwood90+4 mins: They can’t keep doing it? But they do. Another late Liverpool goal.
Diego Simeone has been sent off. Lots more to come on that.
GOAL! Liverpool 3-2 Atletico Madrid (VAN DIJK 90+2)
21:56 , Jamie BraidwoodWhat a ridiculous ending! Van Dijk rose highest to meet Szoboszlai’s corner, sparking complete chaos at Anfield.
Liverpool 3-2 Atletico Madrid
21:54 , Jamie BraidwoodDIEGO SIMEONE IS HAVING A GO AT THE LIVERPOOL FANS AND IS INTO THE CROWD!
GOAL! Liverpool 3-2 Atletico Madrid (VAN DIJK 90+2)
21:54 , Jamie BraidwoodFOR THE FIFTH GAME IN A ROW LIVERPOOL DO IT AGAIN!
VAN DIJK SCORES IN FRONT OF THE KOP!
Liverpool 2-2 Atletico Madrid
21:52 , Jamie Braidwood89 mins: Excellent goalkeeping from Oblak to punch away Salah’s cross towards Ekitike. Szoboszlai’s shot from distance is blocked.
We’re into four added minutes of stoppage time.
Liverpool 2-2 Atletico Madrid
21:50 , Jamie Braidwood87 mins: Huge appeals as Van Dijk heads into Le Normand but there’s nothing in that. It goes behind for another corner...
... the fans think ti’s in but Kerkez’s header goes into the side-netting and behind!
Liverpool 2-2 Atletico Madrid
21:48 , Jamie Braidwood85 mins: Konate heads wide from Szoboszlai’s corner and really should have done better.
Can Liverpool get another late winner this season? They again are in need of one.
Milos Kerkez replaces Andy Robertson at left back.
GOAL! Liverpool 2-2 Atletico Madrid (LLORENTE 81')
21:42 , Jamie BraidwoodOh my goodness he’s done it again!
In 2020, Marcos Llorente scored twice at Anfield for Atletico Madrid.
In 2025, the Spaniard has done it again to drag Atletico back into it.
His left-footed volley takes a huge deflection off Alexis Mac Allister, but it beats Alisson.
Anfield is stunned and Llorente is the culprit once again.
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:40 , Richard Jolly78 mins: Liverpool have had problems closing some games down this season. So it is perhaps significant Slot now has last season's midfield on the pitch - in Gravenberch, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai - and Wirtz has gone off. Let's see if that works.
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:36 , Jamie Braidwood73 mins: Atletico are not done yet! Llorente wants more and drives forward before shooting at goal! It takes a deflection over the bar - which the referee has not seen as he points to a goal-kick. Simeone is booked for his protest.
Wirtz is replaced by Rio Ngumoha, who makes his Champions League debut at 17! He becomes Liverpool’s youngest ever player in European football.
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:34 , Jamie Braidwood71 mins: Liverpool go close again! Salah breaks forward and uses the outside of his boot to set up Ekitike at the back post. He knocks it down to Wirtz but the German can’t get the ball out of his feet to get the shot away!
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:28 , Jamie Braidwood67 mins: Another clever move as Szoboszlai chips a cross back to Wirtz, who looks to set up Ekitike. The forward can’t get his foot over the volley.
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:27 , Jamie Braidwood66 mins: OFF THE POST! WHAT A GOAL THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN! BUT SALAH HITS THE POST!
A gorgeous, flowing move from Liverpool as Wirtz and Szoboszlai glide forward, but Salah hits the inside of the post after being teed up inside the box!
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:23 , Jamie Braidwood60 mins: Close! Almost an excellent burst from Szoboszlai and one-two from Salah but Liverpool are denied by a challenge from Guiliano.
Griezmann has made way for the tall striker Sorloth, once of Crystal Palace.
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:21 , Richard JollyThe end of Isak's debut. There were moments before half-time when he started to look sharper and a couple of nice touches. Yet by the time he went off, it looked clear he was not fully fit. On comes Hugo Ekitike, who may be in line to start the Merseyside derby.
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:21 , Jamie Braidwood59 mins: Liverpool supporters will get to see Wirtz on the left side of the attack with Mac Allister and Szoboszlai remaining ahead of Gravenberch in midfield.
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:19 , Jamie Braidwood56 mins: A triple-change for Liverpool, which brings an end to Isak’s debut ahead of Saturday’s Merseyside.
Isak is replaced by Ekitike, while Gakpo and Frimpong also make way for Gakpo and Mac Allister.
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:16 , Jamie Braidwood53 mins: A couple more ‘almost’ moments for Wirtz. He almost threads a pass through to Isak, then almost squares to Gakpo after again finding himself in a decent position around the box.
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:14 , Jamie Braidwood50 mins: Raspadori wiggles around the outside of Gravenberch and fires a stinging shot straight at Alisson from the angle, which was extremely tight. Alisson then thumps away. It’s the Italian’s last action as he is replaced by the Atletico veteran Koke.
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:12 , Jamie Braidwood49 mins: Robertson’s cross towards Isak looks perfect but the striker is whistled for a push on Lenglet’s back.
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:10 , Richard Jolly48 mins: The Atletico goal on the stroke of half-time was a reminder Liverpool have not looked particularly defensively secure this season. They have seen 2-0 leads become a 2-2 scoreline before. There could be some hope for Atleti there.
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:08 , Jamie Braidwood46 mins: Within seconds of the restart there’s a lovely touch from Isak and it sets Wirtz flying forward. But the pass from Wirtz towards Isak is disappointing.
KICK-OFF! Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:07 , Jamie BraidwoodBack underway.
HALF TIME! Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
21:06 , Jamie BraidwoodIsak is back out for the second half. So perhaps Ekitike will be called on after the hour-mark.
Llorente just loves scoring at Anfield. Three of his six in the Champions League have come on Merseyside.
HALF TIME! Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
20:59 , Jamie BraidwoodThere had been some bright moments from Isak in his first appearance for Liverpool but how long will Arne Slot give him, given his lack of football recently?
Liverpool play Everton on Saturday and Slot has already confirmed that he will not play the full match. Does he make way for Hugo Ekitike at half time, or on the hour?
HALF TIME! Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
20:51 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool started like a dream but Llorente’s goal in first-half stoppage time makes it interesting!
GOAL! Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid (LLORENTE 45+3)
20:49 , Jamie BraidwoodHe struck against Liverpool in 2020 and now Marcos Llorente strikes before half time to get Atletico back in it!
It’s a lovely move from the visitors and Llorente pokes between Konate’s legs after Raspadori broke through.
Atletico had threatened from those positions throughout the half.
Atlético Madrid pull one back against Liverpool through Marcos Llorente 👀
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 17, 2025
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Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:46 , Jamie Braidwood45 mins: The second half of this first half has probably been Liverpool’s best spell of the season so far.
They lead, though, thanks to those two early goals inside six minutes. We will have four minutes of added time.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:44 , Jamie Braidwood42 mins: CLOSE! Lovely move from Liverpool! Wirtz bursts away and plays a brilliant one-two with Isak, who pokes it back to Wirtz. The German rounds Oblak but then runs out of road - Frimpong was there too but neither could get a shot away.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:42 , Jamie Braidwood40 mins: It’s all Liverpool now as we approach half-time. Isak puts Wirtz through with a lovely flick. It breaks down when it reaches Gakpo.
But Liverpool go again. This time, Isak works room in the box and gets another shot away. Oblak saves but it was fine work from Isak to create some space.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:40 , Jamie Braidwood37 mins: Isak’s first sight of goal! Wirtz works the ball forward and into Isak’s feet. He shrugs off a challenge and gets his shot away with very little back-lift, but digs it wide.
Salah then goes close with a flying volley.
VAR overturn! Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:36 , Jamie Braidwood35 mins: Frimpong’s cross is blocked by Clement Lenglet, but it strikes his body and does not go anywhere near his arm.
The referee is sent to the pitchside monitor and quickly overturns it. Very strange. VAR to the rescue, I guess.
PENALTY! Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:35 , Jamie Braidwood34 mins: Penalty to Liverpool! But this will surely be overturned...
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:35 , Richard Jolly33 mins: Arne Slot looked rather annoyed as Alexander Isak was clattered there: thankfully, for Liverpool their £125m man isn't injured already. Robin Le Normand was the offender and, as King Harold can testify, encounters with the Normans can be painful.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:33 , Jamie Braidwood31 mins: Szoboszlai wins the ball in midfield and it breaks to Isak, who nips in before Robin Le Normand. It results in Isak receiving some studs to his foot, which leaves the new signing in pain. He bounces back up, though.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:31 , Jamie Braidwood30 mins: Griezmann’s whipped ball across the box misses everyone in Atletico blue. The visitors, who are missing several starters due to injury, have responded well since going two goals down.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:27 , Jamie Braidwood25 mins: It’s been a busy spell for Van Dijk and Konate, with Atletico mainly getting down the sides. Isak manages to clear a corner for Liverpool.
Gonzalez then releases the pressure as he tries his luck from range but shoots over.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:24 , Jamie Braidwood22 mins: Guiliano forces a clearance from Konate after a clever take down in the box.
Atletico break forward again but Griezmann can’t find the cross. Liverpool look open.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:22 , Jamie Braidwood21 mins: CLOSE! Oh that is almost vintage Mohamed Salah! He takes down a crossfield pass and drives inside and past Galan. There’s only one thought on his mind as he whips a shot towards the far post. Oblak is beaten and at full stretch, but it bends wide.
Salah’s had a slow start to the season but he looks on it tonight.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:21 , Jamie Braidwood20 mins: Diogo Jota’s name rings around Anfield as we reach the 20th minute. The Portuguese also had two years at Atletico Madrid, but he spent them at Porto and Wolves on loan.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:18 , Jamie Braidwood16 mins: A clever pass from Wirtz helps release Gakpo but the Dutchman goes to ground too easily on the edge of the box.
Atletico’s resurgence continues to gather some momentum as Griezmann gets away - the move ends with Raspadori firing a tame effort at Alisson.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:16 , Jamie Braidwood13 mins: Isak gets his first opportunity to have a run on the ball and works his way into the box with a drop of the shoulder. He feeds it to Gakpo on the edge but the move breaks down.
Atletico have finally shown some life and work their first attack of the game, which Van Dijk cuts out. Konate concedes the corner but Van Dijk heads away.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:13 , Jamie Braidwood10 mins; As if the pressure on Simeone wasn’t enough already. His Atletico team have made a nightmare start, after winning just one of their first four games in LaLiga before tonight.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
20:09 , Richard JollyAn impressively bad goal - a poor free kick from Salah that Robertson tried to get out of the way of - followed by a rather better one. But after Salah's slow start to the season, he now has a goal and an assist inside six minutes.
GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid (SALAH 6')
20:09 , Jamie BraidwoodHe’s had a slow start to the season but Salah comes to life in the box to double Liverpool’s lead! Sensational from the Egyptian, as he collects a one-two with Gravenberch and opens his body to finish beyond Oblak, in trademark fashion!
Scenes at Anfield as Liverpool find lift-off and make a dream start.
A lightning quick start from Liverpool ⚡️
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 17, 2025
Mo Salah doubles the Reds' lead inside six minutes!
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GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid (SALAH 6')
20:08 , Jamie BraidwoodLIVERPOOL MAKE IT TWO AND THIS IS A CRACKER!
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Atletico Madrid (ROBERTSON 4')
20:07 , Jamie BraidwoodWhat a start! Robertson scores on his first start of the season, not that he knew too much about it. Salah went under the wall and the Scotland captain, who was standing offside, only to jump onside as Salah took the kick, finds he is in the way to nudge the ball past Oblak!
A deflected free-kick off Andy Robertson gives Liverpool an early lead against Atlético Madrid ⏱️
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 17, 2025
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/mhgZ9aZmpg
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Atletico Madrid (ROBERTSON 4')
20:05 , Jamie BraidwoodSALAH TAKES THE FREE-KICK LOW AND IT DEFLECTS OFF ROBERTSON AND INTO THE NET!
Liverpool 0-0 Atletico Madrid
20:04 , Jamie Braidwood2 mins: Smart exchange between Wirtz and Gravenberch and the Dutchman is bundled into by Lenglet.
A free-kick for Liverpool on the edge of the box, slightly to the right. For Salah?
Liverpool 0-0 Atletico Madrid
20:03 , Jamie Braidwood1 mins: Salah is caught on the ball on his first chance to shape up to the left back Galan. Salah then gives away the foul.
Liverpool with all of the ball early on.
KICK-OFF! Liverpool 0-0 Atletico Madrid
20:01 , Jamie BraidwoodSzoboszlai takes kick-off and we’re underway at Anfield!
Liverpool v Atletico Madrid
19:59 , Jamie BraidwoodVirgil van Dijk and Jan Oblak lead the Liverpool and Atletico teams out.
The players line up and the iconic Champions League anthem is played - to boos from the home supporters followed by chants of ‘Liverpool, Liverpool’ from the Kop.
Isak takes it all in.
Liverpool v Atletico Madrid: Kick-off coming up next
19:56 , Jamie BraidwoodYou’ll Never Walk Alone is ringing around Anfield.
The European nights are always special and this is a big one to start the Champions League campaign.
Liverpool v Atletico Madrid is coming up next.
Liverpool v Atletico Madrid: Reminder of team news and how to watch
19:55 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak
Subs: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Gomez, Endo, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Bradley, Leoni, Ekitike, Danns, Ngumoha.
Atletico Madrid XI: Oblak, Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Galan,Simeone, Barrios, Gallagher, Gonzalez, Raspadori, Griezmann
Subs: Musso, Esquivel, Sorloth, Martin, Molina, Pubill, Seidu,Belaid, Ruggeri, Hancko, Koke.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate.
Arne Slot suggests he will try to rotate more in Champions League this season
19:50 , Jamie BraidwoodAn interesting answer from Arne Slot when asked about last season’s Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. He praises PSG’s pressing, and says he needs to add that to Liverpool this season.
He explains that Liverpool played from November to March without making too many changes from game to game and that’s why they may have been tired when they lost in the Carabao Cup final and to PSG in the Champions League.
“That could help us being fitter in March,” he adds.
It’s also Slot’s birthday today. The Dutchman is 47 today and warmly greets former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, who is at Anfield today.
Liverpool's past and present meet at Anfield
19:45 , Richard JollyLiverpool's favourite man from Madrid is at Anfield tonight: Rafa Benitez, a former Real manager and whose father was an Atletico fan. It is 20 years now since Benitez won the Champions League in his first season with Liverpool. Arne Slot could not emulate him, though he won the Premier League title that eluded Benitez. Liverpool managers past and present had a conversation at the side of the pitch a few minutes back.
Arne 🤝 Rafa pic.twitter.com/ktDJcJ167t
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 17, 2025
Alexander Isak ahead of Liverpool debut
19:40 , Jamie BraidwoodHere’s the new man!
Liverpool leave it late
19:35 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool extended their 100 per cent start to the season by beating Burnley 1-0 on Sunday thanks to Mohamed Salah’s 95th-minute penalty at Turf Moor.
It was the third time this season that the Reds had scored in stoppage time, which is already more than last season’s tally of two in the Premier League.
Arne Slot’s team have required late goals to beat Bournemouth, Newcastle, Arsenal and Burnley and the Dutchman would perhaps want his side to get their business done a little earlier tonight.
Diogo Jota remembered by both Liverpool and Atletico Madrid
19:25 , Jamie BraidwoodAtletico Madrid paid their tributes to Diogo Jota upon arriving at Anfield, with the former Portugal international representing both teams during his career before his tragic death earlier this year.
Club captain Koke laid flowers outside Anfield in tribute to Jota, who was registered to Atletico between 2016 and 2018 but spent both seasons on loan at Porto and Wolves.
Incidentally, Jota scored for Liverpool against Atletico on the last time these teams met during the 2021/22 group stages, with the Reds winning 2-0 at Anfield.
Always in our hearts, Diogo Jota. pic.twitter.com/MbffGei2E1
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) September 16, 2025
Arne Slot explains his Liverpool line-up and talks Alexander Isak debut
19:19 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Liverpool boss has been speaking to TNT Sports before tonight’s match against Atletico Madrid.
“This was the plan all along. That’s why he wasn’t involved against Burnley, so he could get a training week. That’s what you get in pre-season as well. Then you get 45 minutes, 60 minutes. That’s the plan.
“Everything is possible. Alex and Hugo can [play on the left], Cody shows you can play on the left even when you are tell. Hugo can become a second striker, but I believe both of them are more No 9s than another position.”
Liverpool and Atletico Madrid's infamous 2020 clash at Anfield
19:15 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool and Atletico Madrid have history in Europe.
Tonight will be the seventh time these teams have met in the Champions League.
The Reds won both meetings in the 2022/23 group stages, winning 3-2 in Madrid and 2-0 at Anfield as Simeone’s side finished with 10 men in both games.
But perhaps the most infamous occasion where Liverpool faced Atletico was in the 2019/20 last-16, when the Reds came into the match as European champions.
Atletico won 4-2 on aggregate, after extra time, but the match is best remembered for the fact it went ahead just days before the start of the Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020.
Isak makes debut on big night for Liverpool's full-backs
19:09 , Richard JollyLiverpool will get a first glimpse of what £125m buys them. Alexander Isak makes his debut. Arne Slot has said he will not play 90 minutes but he does start, for the first time this season after he opted out of playing for Newcastle.
It is, though, also a significant night for another summer signing with the fit-again Jeremie Frimpong returning at right-back. Notably, on the left, Milos Kerkez drops out, after struggling so far. It has felt only a matter of time before Andy Robertson came into the side.
No Julian Alvarez for Atletico Madrid
19:05 , Jamie BraidwoodJulian Alvarez didn’t travel to Liverpool and isn’t involved for Atletico Madrid tonight - but Diego Simeone names a strong team that includes Antoine Griezmann, Conor Gallagher and his son Guiliano.
Atletico Madrid XI: Oblak, Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Galan,Simeone, Barrios, Gallagher, Gonzalez, Raspadori, Griezmann
Subs: Musso, Esquivel, Sorloth, Martin, Molina, Pubill, Seidu,Belaid, Ruggeri, Hancko, Koke.
Alexander Isak makes Liverpool debut as Arne Slot makes three changes
19:02 , Jamie BraidwoodIsak replaces Hugo Ekitike, who drops to the bench after a bright start to his Liverpool career. It means Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo keep their places.
Alexis Mac Allister is only fit enough for the bench so Dominik Szoboszlai comes into midfield to partner Ryan Gravenberch, allowing Jeremie Frimpong to return to right back.
Andy Robertson replaces Milos Kerkez and starts for the first time this season in the only other change from Sunday’s 1-0 win over Burnley.
Liverpool v Atletico Madrid team news: Alexander Isak makes debut!
18:51 , Jamie BraidwoodAlexander Isak starts for Liverpool!
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak
Subs: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Gomez, Endo, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Bradley, Leoni, Ekitike, Danns, Ngumoha.
Team news is IN for our Champions League clash with Atlético Madrid 👊 #UCL
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 17, 2025
Diego Simeone shrugs off absences as Atletico plan another Anfield heist
18:45 , Jamie BraidwoodAtletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone hopes to hurt an "extraordinary" Liverpool at Anfield - a stadium he loves.
The Argentinian has won one and lost one of his previous visits to the ground as Atleti's manager.
But for this trip he has five first-team players missing, including former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez with a knee injury.
"We need to look on the positive side. We play against an extraordinary team, in a magnificent stadium and a coach who took the team to the top level," said Simeone.
"They competed very well in the Champions League and won the Premier League and we have a tough opponent to face.
"They are direct, they have very quick transitions, they interpret the game in a very simple way to get players into the box, they use their wide players and they have a wonderful centre-back who can knock the ball around.
"This simplicity of the game is something that maybe some people don't see, how hard they work, how good their footballers are and their manager did wonderful, extraordinary things last season.
"We will face a tough opponent but we have the intention of bringing the game to where we want it to go. I am looking at getting better, playing a fantastic opponent in a stadium I love.
"We will try to hurt them in the game tomorrow whenever we can."
Focus on Atletico: is there pressure on Simeone?
18:25 , Jamie BraidwoodAtletico Madrid arrive at Anfield having won just once this season, with Saturday’s 2-0 win over Villarreal offering Diego Simeone some respite after defeat at Espanyol and draws against Elche and Alaves.
Simeone has entered his 15th season in charge of Atletico but he hinted he would have been under pressure had they failed to win any of their first four games of the season. It’s also been five years since Atletico last won a trophy.
“I was happy when we won,” he said afterwards. “Today, winning is a relief, you understand? A relief. And I don’t like that. But that’s the responsibility I have.”
Arne Slot slams ‘pundits that favour other clubs’ in defence of Liverpool’s £450m summer spending spree
18:05 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool head coach Arne Slot launched an impassioned defence of the club's unprecedented summer transfer activity after taking a swipe at criticism from "pundits that favour other clubs".
The deadline-day capture of Alexander Isak for a British record £125million took their spending to £450m on eight players, all aged 25 or under and viewed as an investment in the club's long-term future.
That headline figure has understandably attracted a lot of scrutiny but Slot was keen to point out it was not reckless spending as they recouped over £250m in sales, having spent just £10m the previous summer.
"There is so much focus on our new signings, especially from pundits that favour some other clubs in the country that cannot stop talking about £450m. I repeat, £450m, £450m! But they forget about (nearly) £300m that we have sold for," said Slot.
Arne Slot defends Florian Wirtz after start to Liverpool career
17:45 , Jamie BraidwoodArne Slot defended Florian Wirtz’s start to his Liverpool career by saying there is unfair focus on the German international, who is yet to score or make an assist in his first four appearances for the Reds.
“There’s so much focus on Florian, but the ones that have stayed behind still in the team haven’t scored four goals or 12 assists as well,” Slot said ahead of facing Atletico.
“He’s been part of a team that is on top of the league and that won four games. He’s part of the team that won against Newcastle, that won against Arsenal, where the team last season didn’t win away at Newcastle and didn’t win at home against Arsenal.
“It’s the way you want to look at it. Yes, he hasn’t scored four goals or 12 assists in four games - but for me, that’s down to the quality we faced. He’s part of a team that is number one in the league at the moment.”
Virgil van Dijk on Alexander Isak's first two weeks at Liverpool
17:25 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has said Alexander Isak has looked “very good” in training as the striker prepares to potentially make his debut tonight against Atletico Madrid.
“Very eager, obviously the quality has been shown already from the first session – I was still on international [duty but] from what I’ve heard and seen,” Van Dijk told a press conference.
“So yeah, only positive and off the pitch as well we have conversations. I spoke to him during the international break when everything was sorted and for him obviously it’s about about getting as fit as possible as quickly as possible, getting to understand each one of us as quickly as possible – how we train, how we press, set-pieces.
“It’s been a good week for him. Let’s see tomorrow.”
Arne Slot looks to lessons of Champions League history as Liverpool chart new way forward
17:05 , Richard JollyThey are the captain and manager of a team who won the Premier League last year and who have made a 100 per cent start to the current season, but, as Virgil van Dijk and Arne Slot reminisced, it was about Champions League setbacks.
Perhaps that is the mentality of winners: that they remember the defeats more than the wins.
Arne Slot looks to lessons of Champions League history as Liverpool chart way forward
Alexander Isak set to be included in Liverpool squad
16:45 , Jamie Braidwood“He's in the squad. The chance to play, I would usually say 99.9 per cent sure but I can say 100 per cent 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.”
Arne Slot confirms Alexander Isak involvement for Atletico Madrid clash
16:34 , Jamie BraidwoodArne Slot has confirmed that Alexander Isak will be in the squad for Liverpool’s Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid, but is “100 per cent sure” he will not play 90 minutes.
Isak joined Liverpool in a British-record £125m deal on deadline day, bringing an end to the saga of the summer that saw the Swede go on strike at Newcastle.
The striker has yet to feature for the Reds having not played club football since the end of last season and was not in the matchday squad that scraped victory over Burnley on the weekend.
Slot, however, has revealed that there is a strong chance that he will make his debut against Atletico.
Arne Slot confirms Alexander Isak involvement ahead of Atletico Madrid clash
What is the Atletico Madrid team news?
16:33 , Jamie BraidwoodAtletico will be without forward Julian Alvarez as he continues to recover from the discomfort that forced him off during their last LaLiga match against Villarreal. Atletico had an injury nightmare against Villarreal as all four of Alvarez, Nico Gonzalez, Robin Le Normand and David Hancko were forced off. Thiago Almada, Jose Maria Gimenez, Alex Baena and Johnny Cardoso were also not fit to travel.
What is the Liverpool team news?
16:33 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool’s £125m man Alexander Isak could make his hotly-anticipated debut after being left out of the squad the scraped past Burnley, but it will likely be off the bench as he continues to work towards match fitness.
Meanwhile, Alexis Mac Allister looks to be a doubt after being forced off with an ankle injury, which could cause Dominik Szoboszlai to move back into midfield while Jeremie Frimpong returns to the starting XI.
On the other flank, Andy Robertson will likely begin the game after Milos Kerkez’s early removal at Turf Moor.
When is Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid?
16:32 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid kicks off at 8pm BST.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with coverage starting at 7pm BST. Subscribers can also watch the game on discovery+.
Good evening
16:32 , Jamie BraidwoodPremier League champions Liverpool will look to continue their 100 per cent start to the new campaign, even if unconvincing, as they take on Atletico Madrid in their Champions League opener.
Arne Slot’s heavily-strengthened Premier League champions have four wins from four but have been reliant on late winners, with Mohamed Salah’s 95th-minute penalty at Burnley on the weekend the most fortuitous of them all.
They will nevertheless be eyeing a seventh European title this season and will look to emulate their league phase exploits of last term, which saw them win seven from eight and top the table.
Atletico, meanwhile, have endured a tough start to the season but will be buoyed by their first LaLiga win on Saturday, beating Villarreal to put an end to a three-match winless run.
