VIRGIL STARS IN LATE SHOW YET AGAIN FOR REDS

VIRGIL ON THE RIDICULOUS: Liverpool skipper Van Dijk heads in a stoppage time winner at Anfield

- BY PAUL ANDERSON

LIVERPOOL left it late once again as Virgil van Dijk's header in added time got them off to a flying start in the Champions League with a thrilling victory over Atletico Madrid.

In what is becoming something of a pattern this season, Arne Slot's side allowed a two-goal lead to slip before producing another dramatic finish.

For the fifth successive time, they scored a winner later than the 83rd minute with their captain heading home a corner two minutes into the additional period.

While Anfield went wild, tempestuous Atletico coach Diego Simeone argued with fans behind his dugout and, after being pulled away, was sent off by referee Maurizio Mariani.

British record signing Alexander Isak's muchanticipated debut earlier had seemed tame in comparison as it was Liverpool's old guard who got them off to a flying start.