Liverpool Player Ratings: Last-Minute Heroics Secure a 3-2 Champions League Win over Atlético Madrid

On a dramatic European night at Anfield, Liverpool produced a thrilling 3-2 win over Atlético Madrid in their Champions' League group stage opener. Early goals from Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah had the Reds racing out of the blocks, but Marcos Llorente’s brace dragged Atlético level before Virgil van Dijk rose in stoppage time to nod home a famous winner.

It was a game that swung wildly, exposing both Liverpool’s brilliance and their vulnerabilities. Here’s how each Liverpool player rated in a pulsating contest.

Goalkeeper

Alisson Becker – 7.5/10
Liverpool’s No. 1 was typically composed, pulling off several important stops to prevent Atlético from flipping the game on its head. His positioning was excellent, particularly when dealing with one-on-ones. That said, he may feel he could have done slightly better on Llorente’s second, though the defending in front of him was the bigger culprit. In the final minutes, his calm presence was invaluable.

Defence

Jeremie Frimpong – 6.5/10
Handed a Champions League start, Frimpong’s energy on the right flank was useful in the first half. He overlapped well and pressed high, but defensively he looked suspect when Atlético countered with pace. Substituted just before the hour, it felt like a reminder that while his attacking qualities are exciting, the defensive side of his game remains a work in progress.

Ibrahima Konaté – 7/10
Konaté brought muscle and aerial dominance to the back line, making several blocks at crucial times. Still, his lack of anticipation on a few Atlético breaks was noticeable. He defended well overall but will know he and the unit could have handled transitions with greater awareness.

Virgil van Dijk – 9/10
The captain, the leader, the match-winner. Van Dijk’s stoppage-time header sent Anfield into raptures and sealed three crucial points. Beyond the goal, he was a steadying influence, constantly barking orders and winning duels. If Liverpool are to go deep in this competition, performances like this from their skipper will be non-negotiable.

Andy Robertson – 8.5/10
What a start he gave Liverpool. His deflection from a Mohamed Salah free-kick nestled into the net inside four minutes, and from then on he continued to surge forward, setting the tone with his aggression and drive. At times, Atlético exploited the space behind him, but that’s the trade-off you accept with Robertson’s marauding style. His influence at both ends was undeniable.

Midfield

Dominik Szoboszlai – 8/10
His delivery was world-class, none more so than the corner that Van Dijk powered home in stoppage time. Szoboszlai’s range of passing and energy gave Liverpool an edge. Still, he drifted out of the game in phases when Atlético seized midfield control, but when Liverpool needed quality, he provided it.

Ryan Gravenberch – 8/10
This was one of Gravenberch’s best performances in a Liverpool shirt. From the first whistle, he looked sharp, aggressive, and purposeful in midfield. His pressing was relentless, breaking up Atlético’s rhythm and forcing turnovers in key areas. On the ball, he drove Liverpool forward with confidence, carrying possession through the lines and picking out teammates in dangerous positions.

Florian Wirtz – 7.5/10
Liverpool’s marquee summer signing offered plenty of encouraging signs. Operating in the spaces between Atlético’s midfield and defence, Wirtz was clever with his movement and always looking to knit play together. In the first half, he linked up well with Isak, threading a smart ball through that almost produced a breakthrough moment. His close control and ability to turn under pressure gave Liverpool an extra creative dimension.

Attack

Mohamed Salah – 9/10
Sharp, ruthless, and decisive early on. Salah’s strike inside six minutes doubled Liverpool’s advantage and reinforced his reputation as a man for the big occasion. After the explosive start, he became less involved, partly due to Atlético’s adjustments, but he remained a constant threat and was crucial in stretching the opposition defence.

Alexander Isak – 5.5/10
A difficult Champions League debut for the new signing. Isak showed flashes of his ability to hold up play and link with teammates but was far from his clinical best. A couple of missed half-chances and limited movement meant he struggled to impose himself. Substituted just before the hour, this was a quiet outing, though there’s clearly more to come.

Cody Gakpo – 6.5/10
Stationed on the left flank, Gakpo looked sharp in the opening exchanges, linking well with Robertson and offering himself as an outlet when Liverpool poured forward early. He helped stretch Atlético’s back line and was tidy in possession. However, his influence faded as the game wore on. Once Atlético grew into the contest, Gakpo struggled to make a decisive impact, and his end product was lacking. Substituted just before the hour, this was a hardworking but ultimately subdued display.

Substitutes

Hugo Ekitike – 6/10
Brought on to freshen the attack, Ekitike’s running caused some problems for Atlético’s tiring defenders. He pressed well but lacked composure in front of goal. A cameo with energy but no real cutting edge.

Conor Bradley – 6/10
Slotted in at right-back after Frimpong’s withdrawal. Bradley was solid defensively, doing the basics well and ensuring his side wasn’t overrun down the flank. Limited attacking contribution, but he brought steadiness when it was needed.

Alexis Mac Allister – 6.5/10
Entered late to bring composure in midfield. Mac Allister did exactly that, recycling possession sensibly and helping Liverpool ride out Atlético’s storm before Van Dijk struck. Not a game-changer, but an important stabilizing presence.

Final Verdict

Liverpool began like a house on fire, faded worryingly, then summoned the character and leadership that has long defined them under pressure at Anfield. The defensive vulnerabilities will concern Arne Slot, but the resilience and ability to produce late drama bodes well for the campaign ahead. On nights like this, they proved they still know how to win when it matters.