As the Reds clinched their Champions League campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory on Wednesday, Diego Simeone and Liverpool fans clashed at Anfield with the stoppage-time winner of Victor van Dijk.
After Marcos Llorente scored twice in the 92nd minute to bring his side back from 2-0 down to level, Simeone was shown a red card following Van Dijk’s header.
After scoring twice in the opening six minutes, Liverpool looked set to sweep the Spanish giants to the floor.
On his first start for Liverpool, Mohamed Salah outshined Alexander Isak when his free-kick deflected in off Andy Robertson before firing home on his own.
Five years ago, Llorente spearheaded Atletico’s comeback from 2-0 down to defeat them 3-1 in a contentious last-16 game at Anfield.
Before this time, Liverpool grabbed the late winner, which ignited the feud between the visiting manager and the home fans.
Even after Maurizio Mariani sent Simeone a red card, the Italian referee showed him an example of a demand for the removal of one fan in particular.
After the 80th minute, Liverpool have now scored winning goals in each of their opening Premier League and Champions League games.
Isak made his debut after moving from Newcastle for £125 million, making him the most expensive player in English football history.
Salah singing
In the first few weeks of the season, Salah has been left on the verge of the action thanks to Liverpool’s trio of big-money signings, which includes Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz.
However, Salah returned on Wednesday to his best form.
When Salah’s free kick hit Jan Oblak, the Scotland captain, completely off-guard, Robertson was unaware of his goal.
After completing three Atletico challenges, Salah demonstrated his speed, strength, and quick feet and slotted in from Ryan Gravenberch’s pass.
As Liverpool appeared to be rioting, Salah was on the verge of a stunning third when Wirtz’s through ball sent him clear.
Isak struggled to get through his transition to Anfield after missing out on pre-season at Newcastle by sitting out for less than an hour.
The Swede turned in Wirtz’s best performance in the match, which ended Oblak before handing Jeremie Frimpong, who had a real lack of connection, the finish.
With only one of their first four La Liga matches to go, Atletico have had a rough start to the campaign.
In stoppage time, Llorente prodded a shot into the far corner, giving the visitors a lifeline just before the break.
Before Llorente struck once more, Liverpool were almost forced to rue a number of chances to put the outcome out of the blue.
At the conclusion of a brilliant counter-attack involving Wirtz, Ekiti, and Dominik Szoboszlai, Salah hit the inside of the post.
After a significant summer overhaul of the squad that won the title last year, chinks in Liverpool’s armour have been exposed despite not dropping a point in the Premier League so far.
Slot’s side have now conceded two or more goals in four of their first six matches of the campaign, including Crystal Palace’s defeat in Community Shield.
Llorente’s goal deflected off Alexis Mac Allister, leaving Alisson Becker helpless in the 81st minute, but there was some fortune in it.
However, Simeone’s best Atletico sides’ solid defensive structure is lacking in his current generation, and they were unable to withstand the Liverpool assault.
In Szoboszlai’s corner, Van Dijk was completely unmarried, which caused the Argentine’s anger to pour out.
