Liverpool rally to beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 as van Dijk nets late winner in Isak debut

Liverpool came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 at Anfield, with Virgil van Dijk scoring a 93rd-minute winner that kept Liverpool undefeated in European competition this season. Atlético Madrid had fought back from an early 2-0 deficit to level at 2-2 before van Dijk struck, and Diego Simeone was sent off late in the match as the drama intensified.

Alexander Isak started his long-awaited Liverpool debut after a club-record move worth £125 million. The Sweden striker, who turns 26 on Sunday, had a subdued first half-hour but grew into the game after the break, fashioning two shooting chances and showing the movement that makes him a potential focal point for the team. He linked with Florian Wirtz, whose performance provided Liverpool with a clearer heartbeat in midfield and attack.

Florian Wirtz delivered his best performance in a Liverpool shirt since joining from Bayer Leverkusen, driving play and linking with Isak. While not every touch produced a scoring opportunity, the 23-year-old's energy and vision suggested he could be central to the side's evolution under Slot, with his influence evident in Liverpool's pressing and rapid transitions.

Liverpool's lineup supplied further talking points. Robertson's first-half strike deflected past the keeper to briefly give the Reds a lead before Atlético responded. Milos Kerkez started at left-back but was substituted around the 38th minute, with Robertson coming on and providing a steadier presence on the flank as the match wore on.

On the touchline, Arne Slot faced big decisions ahead of the Merseyside Derby. The Dutch coach indicated the early returns are ahead of schedule and that the team should only improve. The questions revolve around midfield balance among Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Wirtz, and who leads the line between Isak and Hugo Ekitike. The left-back slot also features a contest between Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley, underscoring the depth Slot can call upon for a high-stakes fixture weekend.

Liverpool's dramatic start to the season has seen winning goals arrive in the 88th minute or later in all five matches, a pattern that has helped secure three points but also prompted questions about consistency and sustainability. Still unbeaten in Europe and with a sense of momentum around Slot's methods, Liverpool heads into the Merseyside Derby with a squad that appears to be evolving quickly.