Liverpool edge Atletico Madrid 3-2 on last-gasp goal from van Dijk

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk headed in a last-gasp goal in stoppage time to lead the Reds to a thrilling 3-2 victory against Atletico Madrid in the opening game of their UEFA Champions League campaign at home on Wednesday.

Arne Slot's men went ahead 2-0 in the first six minutes, with Andy Robertson deflecting an early Mo Salah free kick into Atletico's net, and the Egyptian striker adding the team's second himself just a few moments later.

But two goals from Marcos Llorente, who also tallied a brace at Anfield when the Spanish La Liga club knocked Liverpool out of the continental competition in the round of 16 in 2020, put the visitors right back into the game.

The English champions had scored late goals in all four of their Premier League matches so far this season, however, and van Dijk went on to head in the winner for the Reds three minutes into added time.

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone was shown a second yellow card during the ensuing celebrations, while Liverpool manager Slot, who turned 47 on Wednesday, later thanked his players for "a nice present."

"Second year in a row that I had to celebrate my birthday on a Champions League night, and the second time in a row ... that the players gave me a nice present ... because we won them both." said Slot. "But I would like to ask UEFA if next year I can celebrate my birthday with my friends and family. Another great night here at Anfield."