VAN DIJK TO THE RESCUE

Skipper Virgil kills off brave Atleti comeback in stoppage time but defensive frailties might give boss Slot sleepless nights...

- JEREMY CROSS

THERE was a new face at Anfield last night - but it was a familiar one that stole the headlines.

Alexander Isak made his long-awaited debut following his British-record £125million switch from Newcastle.

Yet the glory belonged to captain Virgil Van Dijk, who headed home in injury time to hand Liverpool three points and a winning start for Isak. Marcos Llorente had threatened to ruin the celebrations with two goals of his own on a thrilling night, including an equaliser on 81 minutes.

But Van Dijk rode to the rescue to spare Liverpool the embarrassment of blowing a two-goal lead.

Isak had a front-row seat to watch the sensational Mo Salah torment Atletico in this Champions League opener on Merseyside.

Salah scored one and assisted another as Arne Slot’s men charged into a 2-0 lead inside six minutes.

Last night was the first time Liverpool had not named a single Englishman in their starting XI for a major European game.