Charlie Grace

Wed 17 September 2025 22:00, UK

Liverpool’s clash against Atletico Madrid didn’t come without controversy for Arne Slot’s side.

Liverpool secured a dramatic 3-2 win against Atletico Madrid in their opening Champions League match of the season, scoring an early double.

Mohamed Salah helped Liverpool make Champions League history, as two goals in the opening six minutes were their quickest in the competition.

However, when Marcos Llorente scored twice to bring the Spanish side back from 2-0 down, it was expected to be a disappointing night on Alexander Isak’s Liverpool debut.

But for the fifth time this season, the Reds came up with a dramatic late winner as Virgil van Dijk powered a header home in stoppage time to secure all three points.

Ally McCoist slams ’embarrassing’ refereeing decision

Arne Slot would have been disappointed to see his team throw away a two-goal lead, but there was also a moment in the match that caused controversy.

An outrageous penalty decision was made in favour of Liverpool after one of the referee’s assistants flagged Atletico defender Clement Lenglet for a handball.

Speaking on TNT Sports’ coverage of the match Ally McCoist slammed the decision which was eventually overturned on VAR.

McCoist described the decision, saying: “That’s absolute nonsense. That’s actually embarrassing. It’s shocking.”

Liverpool show they are capable of quick fire starts

Liverpool’s record-breaking double proved that they don’t just have to rely on late drama to win matches, something that has become synonymous with Arne Slot’s side this season.

Slot’s side have scored a goal after the 80th minute in each of their four Premier League wins this season with the latest coming as Salah’s last-gasp penalty secured Liverpool a late win over Burnley.

Federico Chiesa, Rio Ngumoha and Dominik Szoboszlai have all also been on hand to provide late drama for Liverpool fans this season.

Now, it’s van Dijk who has produced a late moment of magic to rescue Liverpool.