Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid Player Ratings – Champions League 2025/26: Van Dijk Heroics, Llorente Haunts Reds Again! | OneFootball

Anfield was the stage for another unforgettable Champions League night as Liverpool edged Atletico Madrid 3-2 thanks to a stoppage-time header from captain Virgil van Dijk. The Reds flew out of the blocks with two early goals from Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah, only to see old nemesis Marcos Llorente drag Diego Simeone’s side level with another Anfield brace. But just as Atlético looked set to repeat their smash-and-grab from 2020, Van Dijk rose above Robin Le Normand to snatch victory at the death.

This clash offered a window into the tactical approaches of both managers. Arne Slot’s Liverpool set the tone with intensity and early pressure, pressing high and funnelling play through Gravenberch and Szoboszlai. Simeone’s Atletico, sluggish in the opening exchanges, gradually clawed their way back through Llorente’s driving runs and Koke’s calm leadership off the bench. In the end, individual brilliance and set-piece precision decided the contest.

Liverpool Player Ratings

Jeremie Frimpong – 6.5/10

Bright and energetic on the flank. His overlapping run contributed to Salah’s strike, and he offered attacking thrust throughout.

Ibrahima Konaté – 6/10

Caught deep for Atletico’s first goal but otherwise steady. Defended aerially with purpose and showed why he remains highly rated in Europe.

Virgil van Dijk – 8.5/10

Commanding presence at the back and decisive at the front. Kept composure under pressure and delivered the match-winning moment.

Andy Robertson – 6.5/10

Scored the opener via a clever Salah free-kick routine. Reliable in his defensive duties, though less adventurous after the break.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 6/10

Neat and tidy in midfield, ensuring rhythm but rarely forcing the issue.

Ryan Gravenberch – 7.5/10

Influential in the first half, orchestrating play with purpose. His drive set the tone, and he continues to mature as a key figure under Slot.

Mohamed Salah – 8/10

At his menacing best. A well-taken goal and constant torment for Atlético’s defence. Looked sharp and dangerous throughout.

Florian Wirtz – 6.5/10

Showed flashes of quality but remains short of the form that made him a Bundesliga star.

Cody Gakpo – 5.5/10

Struggled to influence proceedings and may soon find competition fierce with Isak settling in.

Alexander Isak – 6.5/10

Grew into the contest on his full debut. Some promising touches, though still far from peak sharpness.

Alexis Mac Allister – 6/10: Solid but not decisive.

Conor Bradley – 4.5/10: Error led to Llorente’s second.

Hugo Ekitike – 6/10: Flashes of intent but profligate in front of goal.

Rio Ngumoha – 5.5/10: Limited impact after introduction.

Milos Kerkez – N/A

Atletico Madrid Player Ratings

Jan Oblak – 4.5/10

Beaten three times, and the distribution lacked precision. Managed one strong late punch clear, but little else to note on his 500th appearance.

Marcos Llorente – 9/10

Anfield specialist. Scored twice again to drag Atleti level and remains Simeone’s talisman in big moments. Tireless and decisive.

Robin Le Normand – 3/10

Failed to deal with Van Dijk all game and was culpable for the winner. Another worrying display.

Clément Lenglet – 4/10

Constantly second-best against Gravenberch. Conceded the foul for the opener, then left gaps repeatedly. A torrid evening.

Javi Galán – 3/10

Unable to cope with Salah’s movement. Looked lost from start to finish.

Giuliano Simeone – 7.5/10

Brought intensity and fight. Harried Liverpool’s defence and gave Atlético a foothold.

Conor Gallagher – 6.5/10

Key interceptions slowed Liverpool after their blistering start. Replaced early in the second half.

Pablo Barrios – 6.5/10

Held his own in midfield early but faded badly after the break with unforced errors.

Nico González – 6.5/10

Worked diligently and carried the ball well. Showed signs he could be important across the campaign.

Antoine Griezmann – 5.5/10

Quiet by his standards. Two chances created, but no threat on goal. Form is a concern.

Giacomo Raspadori – 4.5/10

Nominal assist but peripheral throughout. Llorente’s brilliance masked his lack of impact.

Substitutes:

Koke – 7/10: Influential cameo, supplying the move for Llorente’s second.

Nahuel Molina – 5.5/10: Functional but unremarkable.

Alexander Sørloth – 4.5/10: Missed a big chance late on.

Marc Pubill – 4/10: Limited involvement in his short time on the pitch.

Man of the Match

Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid) – Two more goals at Anfield cement his status as Liverpool’s perennial tormentor. While Van Dijk had the final word, Llorente’s performance was of the highest order.

Conclusion

Anfield under the lights once again delivered chaos, drama, and a late twist worthy of Champions League folklore. Liverpool’s perfect start to the season survives intact thanks to Van Dijk’s towering header, but Slot will know his side cannot keep leaning on late heroics. Atlético, for all Llorente’s brilliance, left Merseyside ruing another defensive collapse that underlined their frailties. For Arne Slot