Liverpool left it late – again – to kick off their Champions League campaign with three points on a night when the midfield impressed.Liverpool 3-2 Atletico MadridChampions League (1) | AnfieldSeptember 17, 2025Goals: Robertson 4, Salah 6?, Van Dijk 90+2 Llorente 45+3?, 81?Alisson – 7Rarely called into action. Unsighted by Griezmann for Atletico’s first and was wrong-footed for the second. Claimed Sorloth’s header right at the death.Jeremie Frimpong – 8After a frustrating start to his Liverpool career, Wednesday felt like the night Frimpong truly announced his arrival on Merseyside.The Dutchman was lively throughout, and even thought he had won his side a penalty when referee Maurizio Mariani thought his cross had struck the hand of Lenglet.Frimpong didn’t neglect his defensive duties, however, and was on hand to snuff out a couple of dangerous Atletico attacks, one of which included clattering into Gonzalez. Needless to say, Anfield enjoyed that one.Ibrahima Konate – 7After a difficult start to the campaign, this Champions League tie was another step in the right direction for the Frenchman. His partnership with Van Dijk will be crucial if Liverpool are to make the final in Budapest in May.Virgil van Dijk – 8Imperious. Eight years into his Liverpool career, Van Dijk continues to take his performances to new levels.The La Liga side had no answer for how to combat the Dutchman, both in and out of possession.He ended the night having won practically all of his duals and, of course, as Liverpool’s hero after scoring a pinpoint header in front of the Kop.Andy Robertson – 7Impressive night’s work from the Scotsman. Not sure how much he knew about Liverpool’s opener, as Salah’s free-kick deflected off his leg and sent Oblak the wrong way, but they all count.Just as he did at Turf Moor last weekend, it was another timely reminder from Robertson that, despite the arrival of Kerkez this summer, he won’t be giving up his starting spot without a fight.After strong back-to-back performances, plus his experience in Merseyside derbies, don’t be surprised to see him retain his place for Everton’s visit to Anfield on Sunday.Ryan Gravenberch – 9 (Man of the Match)Easily Liverpool’s best player on the pitch. Atletico didn’t know how to handle him and his marauding runs from deep.The Dutchman, unsurprisingly, was at the heart of both of Liverpool’s goals in the first half. Firstly, winning the free-kick which resulted in Robertson’s goal, and then dancing past a handful of Atletico shirts before sliding Sala through to finish.Dominik Szoboszlai – 8One of Liverpool’s unsung heroes on the night. Here, there and everywhere throughout. Wonderful delivery for Van Dijk’s winner. One of Slot’s most trusted lieutenants.Mo Salah – 7Enthused by his early goal, this was the most involved Salah has been for Liverpool this season. Added to his tally for the campaign when he doubled his side’s lead inside six minutes, but fluffed his lines to kill the game off at 2-1. Step in the right direction after a slow start to the season.Florian Wirtz – 7Tidy with the ball and linked up with his team-mates well, especially Isak. Should have had an assist on his Champions League debut for the Reds, but Salah smashed the post. Subbed on 74.Cody Gakpo – 6Followed up his performance against Burnley with another quiet night. Never really got going and struggled to find space on the occasions that Isak drifted out wide.Alexander Isak – 7In for his first start since May, it was no surprise that Liverpool’s new £125million forward took a bit of time to feel his way into the game.However, he burst into life just before half-time with a couple of nice touches, turns and pop shots at Oblak. Nice flick to set Wirtz away early in the second half before he was replaced by Ekitike.Overall Team Performance – 8 SubstitutesConor Bradley – 6Struggled to find his feet as Liverpool started to surrender chances to Atletico shortly after his introduction. Probably should have done better in the build-up to the equaliser.Alexis Mac Allister – 6Better from Mac Allister, though he still looks like he’s playing with heavy legs at times.Rio Ngumoha – 6Full of energy and gave Atletico something different to think about as Liverpool chased a winner.Milos Kerkez – n/aArne Slot – 8Not too much the Liverpool manager could have done differently. Negotiated a difficult Champions League tie well for the large parts, though will be disappointed to see his side surrender a two-goal lead for the third time this season.His decision to withdraw Wirtz late on could have come under greater focus had Van Dijk scored the winner.Will be disappointed to see Liverpool throw a two-goal lead away for the third time this season, especially after displaying such superiority for the first 60 minutes.Happy birthday, boss!