Isak Makes Liverpool Debut In Champions League Against Atletico
Liverpool edge Atletico 3-2 with Salah brilliance and Van Dijk’s stoppage-time header.
Alexander Isak’s highly anticipated debut for Liverpool was eclipsed by the heroics of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk as the Reds secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid in their Champions League opener at Anfield on Wednesday. Isak, the British-record $170 million signing from Newcastle United, started in the iconic No. 9 shirt but was substituted before the match’s decisive moments, as Liverpool’s established stars stole the spotlight in a match defined by early dominance and late drama.
The game burst into life with two quick goals from Liverpool. In the fourth minute, Salah’s free kick deflected off Andy Robertson’s heel to beat Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Two minutes later, Salah showcased his enduring brilliance, weaving into the box to slot home his third goal in five matches this season.
Despite his hefty price tag and a prolific 32-goal haul for club and country last season, Isak struggled to make an impact, managing only two shots, one on target, before being replaced after 58 minutes. Atlético fought back with Marcos Llorente scoring just before halftime and again in the 81st minute, levelling the score and threatening a draw.
Liverpool’s knack for late heroics—evident in their fifth consecutive game with a stoppage-time winner this season—proved decisive. Captain Virgil van Dijk rose to head in Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner in the second minute of added time, igniting Anfield and securing the win. The victory underscores Liverpool’s resilience under manager Arne Slot, who led the club to a record-equalling 20th English title last season, with Salah’s 34 goals pivotal to that success.
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Isak’s debut, while underwhelming, comes amid high expectations following Liverpool’s $400 million investment in attacking talents, including Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, signalling a long-term vision beyond Salah, who signed a contract extension in April at age 33.
The match, attended by 60,000 fans and broadcast on Paramount+, highlighted Liverpool’s depth and determination but also the challenge Isak faces to match the brilliance of Anfield’s enduring icons as he builds match fitness after a disrupted preseason.
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