Virgil van Dijk left frustrated after Liverpool need another late winner to beat Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

Virgil van Dijk admits he was frustrated after Liverpool had to rely on another late goal to beat Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 through a 92nd minute winner from the centre back. The Reds were 2-0 up within six minutes after goals from Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah but a Marcos Llorente brace.

This follows on from late goals from Salah against Burnley, Rio Ngumoha against Newcastle, Dominik Szoboszlai against Arsenal and Federico Chiesa against Bournemouth in their opening four Premier League fixtures.

Van Dijk was asked about how he felt after the winning goal: “I think it was a little bit unnecessary,” he said. “You don’t want to come in a situation where you have to chase the game. Obviously sometimes it happens because you play against quality teams, you have to try and go for the winner.

“It was frustrating to concede the equaliser in that manner, but the way we reacted again was really good.

“I think we had the opportunity again to kill the game and do it better. At the end of the day, it’s still a work in progress, we are still learning and I’m pretty confident that we’re going to get there.”

Liverpool signed Alexander Isak in the summer for a British-record transfer fee and the Swede made his debut for the club against Atletico Madrid. The Dutchman was asked what he said to the striker before kick-off: “Just do your thing basically, enjoy the whole thing and be important.”

“That’s not only with goals but also in link-up play and pressing as well. I think he did very well but it’s just a start.

“He has to recover now as well and be ready for Saturday, whether he starts or not, he’ll have to be there to help us as well.”

Liverpool face Everton in the Merseyside derby this weekend and Van Dijk is confident his side have what it takes to beat their rivals.

“I’m not worried, the guys that are here played in good stadiums, good games before. not everyone has played in the Merseyside derby, but I’m confident that they will be absolutely fine.”