Atletico collapses, Liverpool becomes formidable.

Atletico Madrid continued their poor form in the new season after a 2-3 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League qualifying round on the morning of September 18th.

The result at Anfield plunged Atletico Madrid deeper into crisis. The La Liga representatives have had the worst possible start to the new season, winning only 1 of their 6 matches in all competitions.

Since overcoming Liverpool in the round of 16 of the 2019/20 season (4-2 on aggregate), the Spanish team has only won one of their last nine matches against English teams in the Champions League (two draws, six losses, and their only win against Manchester United in March 2022).

Marcos Llorente was one of Atletico Madrid's bright spots. He continued to be a nightmare for Liverpool, directly involved in five goals in two away matches at Anfield (four goals, one assist). This achievement equals Karim Benzema's record for goals and assists in Champions League history.

In contrast to Atletico's dismal situation, Liverpool continued their impressive form under manager Arne Slot. "The Kop" maintained an impressive record of never losing their opening European campaign at Anfield, with 10 wins and 2 draws in their last 12 home games.

This victory also makes Liverpool the only team to have beaten Atletico three consecutive times in Champions League/European Cup encounters. Previously, the Merseyside club defeated their rivals 2-0 and 3-2 in the 2021/22 season.

Virgil van Dijk's decisive header was Liverpool's fourth goal scored from the 90th minute onwards this season, more than double the number scored by any other Premier League team.

As of now in the 2025/26 season, six of Liverpool's eight second-half goals have been scored from the 88th minute onwards. "Liverpool demonstrate the ability to explode and finish off opponents late in the game," wrote The Athletic .

Coach Diego Simeone also drew attention to the match with unsportsmanlike conduct. The Argentinian strategist was caught giving the middle finger to the Liverpool fans. When security personnel pulled him back, Simeone even swung his fist and was accused of spitting at the supporters. "They insulted me throughout the match, but because I am the coach, I couldn't retaliate," was his defense.

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