Van Dijk and Salah star but Gravenberch takes man of the match | OneFootball

Gravenberch Shines as Liverpool Edge Atletico in Champions League Thriller

The Champions League Returns to Anfield

Anfield played host to another unforgettable European night as Liverpool edged Atletico Madrid 3-2 in their opening Champions League group stage fixture. Arne Slot’s side arrived with confidence after a perfect start in domestic competition, but Diego Simeone’s men brought the intensity that has made them perennial contenders in Europe.

In the end, it was Liverpool who prevailed, thanks to a mix of resilience, leadership, and quality. While Virgil van Dijk’s towering winner and Mohamed Salah’s relentless threat were decisive, it was Ryan Gravenberch’s control and composure in midfield that truly stood out.

Gravenberch the Conductor

The Dutch midfielder has taken significant strides these past two seasons, evolving from a rotational option into a central figure under Arne Slot. Against Atletico, he was simply superb and attained another man of the match award after his superb display against Burnley at the weekend.

In the first half, Gravenberch produced a sublime assist for Salah, threading the kind of weighted pass that cut through Atletico’s defensive lines. His ability to recycle possession, dictate tempo, and resist pressure was vital in ensuring Liverpool avoided being overrun in the middle of the pitch. In tight spaces, his ability to carry the ball through the lines was crucial to launching attacks, as he knitted midfield to attack.

As the game intensified after the break, Gravenberch’s decision-making shone even brighter. Time and again, he found the right angle, the right touch, and the right pass to keep Liverpool on the front foot. It was the sort of midfield performance that offers reassurance for a side still searching for long-term balance in the centre of the park.

At just 23, the former Ajax man is proving that he can handle responsibility in the biggest of fixtures. Slot will know that nights like this build not only confidence but also authority.

Van Dijk and Salah Close Behind

Though Gravenberch edges man of the match, the claims of Van Dijk and Salah cannot be ignored and I was very tempted to award the skipper, as he pretty much willed his side to victory at the end.

Van Dijk, Liverpool’s talismanic captain, was imperious in defence after an early lapse that saw his defensive line caught out. His leadership was evident throughout, barking instructions and maintaining order against a side that thrives in chaos. His crowning moment came late on when he rose above the Atletico backline to thunder home a winning header, one that he fully deserved. It was classic Van Dijk, power, timing, and determination when it mattered most.

Salah, meanwhile, was electric from the start. His whipped free-kick set up Andy Robertson’s opener via a deflection, before he coolly converted Liverpool’s second with his trademark precision. Even after the break, when chances were harder to come by, the Egyptian King nearly stole the show with a thunderous strike off the inside of the post, whereas a breakaway at the death should have garnered him an assist, before Hugo Ekitike struck over the bar.

Both men delivered performances that would normally have secured the spotlight. On this occasion, they were overshadowed only by Gravenberch’s influence, just about.

A Statement Win

For Arne Slot, this victory was more than three points, it was a statement that Liverpool is ready to reassert themselves in Europe. Atletico made life difficult, but the Reds found answers through quality and resilience.

Gravenberch’s rise, Van Dijk’s leadership, and Salah’s brilliance provide a spine that any contender would envy. With this foundation, Liverpool’s Champions League journey begins with belief and momentum. As well as three points.