Champions League Wednesday: Liverpool Edge Atletico Thriller, Chelsea Beaten in Munich

Liverpool 3-2 Atletico Madrid: Van Dijk’s Late Header Secures Dramatic Win

ليفربول began their Champions League campaign with yet another dramatic Anfield night, edging Atletico Madrid 3-2 thanks to Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time header.

Arne Slot’s side made a blistering start, racing into a 2-0 lead inside six minutes. Mohamed Salah’s free-kick deflected off Andrew Robertson past Jan Oblak after just four minutes, before the Egyptian combined with Ryan Gravenberch to slot home a composed second.

Atletico struck back on the stroke of half-time when Marcos Llorente squeezed a low shot under Alisson, despite appeals for offside. Salah came close to restoring the two-goal cushion but struck the post after good work by Florian Wirtz.

Llorente, who had haunted Anfield in 2020, levelled once more with a deflected volley in the 81st minute. With Liverpool again seeing a two-goal lead slip away, it seemed the visitors had done enough.

But in stoppage time, Van Dijk rose highest to power in a corner in front of a jubilant Kop. Chaos followed, with Atletico manager Diego Simeone shown a red card after clashing with supporters.

New signing Alexander Isak made his long-awaited debut, showing neat touches before tiring and being replaced just before the hour mark. However, it was Salah and captain Van Dijk who ensured Liverpool’s late-show reputation continued.

Gravenberch also impressed with a commanding midfield performance, blending powerful runs with precise passing. His influence provided the foundation for Liverpool’s first Champions League win of the season.

Next up, Liverpool host Everton in Saturday’s Merseyside derby before facing Southampton in the Carabao Cup.

Bayern Munich 3-1 Chelsea: Kane Double Punishes Blues’ Errors

Chelsea’s Champions League return ended in disappointment as Bayern Munich claimed a 3-1 victory at the Allianz Arena, with Harry Kane punishing defensive mistakes.

Trevoh Chalobah’s own goal handed Bayern the lead, though Cole Palmer levelled with a superb strike into the top corner on his 100th club appearance. Chelsea started brightly, with Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez missing early chances, but were undone by lapses in concentration.

Kane restored Bayern’s advantage from the spot after being fouled by Moises Caicedo, and sealed the win in the 63rd minute, curling in after a misplaced pass from Malo Gusto. Chelsea did have the ball in the net late on when Palmer struck again, only for VAR to rule it out for a narrow offside.

Despite showing promise, Chelsea were ultimately outclassed by Bayern’s experience, with Manuel Neuer marking his 151st Champions League appearance. By comparison, Chelsea’s entire squad had fewer combined appearances than the veteran goalkeeper.

Substitutions came too late to affect the contest, though Estevao Willian provided a spark off the bench, setting up Palmer’s disallowed goal. Former Blue Nicolas Jackson made a late cameo for Bayern but had little chance to impact the match.

Enzo Maresca’s side must now regroup, with defensive discipline a clear area for improvement. The Blues were competitive in spells but undone by costly errors at this level.

Chelsea’s next challenge is a Premier League clash away to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday evening.