Atletico collapses, Liverpool is scary

The result at Anfield plunged Atletico Madrid deeper into crisis. The La Liga representative started the new season in the worst way possible. They won only 1 out of 6 matches in all competitions.

Since beating Liverpool in the round of 16 of the 2019/20 season (4-2 on aggregate), the Spanish team has had just one win in their last nine matches against English teams in the Champions League (2 draws, 6 losses, the only win against MU in March 2022).

Marcos Llorente is a rare bright spot for Atletico Madrid. He continues to haunt Liverpool, having been directly involved in 5 goals in two away games at Anfield (4 goals, 1 assist). This achievement is equal to Karim Benzema's record for goals and assists in Champions League history.

In contrast to Atletico's dismal form, Liverpool have continued their fine form under manager Arne Slot. The Kop have maintained an impressive record of never having lost their opening European campaign at Anfield, with 10 wins and two draws from 12 home games.

This victory also makes Liverpool the only team to beat Atletico 3 consecutive times in Champions League/European Cup confrontations. Previously, the port city team defeated their opponents with scores of 2-0 and 3-2 in the 2021/22 season.

Virgil van Dijk's decisive header was the fourth goal Liverpool have scored from the 90th minute onwards this season, more than twice as many as any other Premier League side.

So far in the 2025/26 season, six of Liverpool's eight second-half goals have come from the 88th minute onwards. "Liverpool have shown an ability to explode and finish off opponents late in the game," wrote The Athletic .

Coach Diego Simeone also attracted attention with his bad image in this match. The Argentine strategist was caught raising his "middle finger" towards Liverpool fans. When pulled back by security staff, Simeone also swung his fist and was accused of spitting at the fans. "They insulted me all match, but because I am the coach, I cannot respond," was his excuse.

Source: https://znews.vn/atletico-sup-do-liverpool-dang-so-post1586269.html