Video) Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time header sparks chaos as Diego Simeone loses control on the touchline

Video Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time header sparks chaos as Diego Simeone loses control on the touchline

Virgil van Dijk sent Anfield into raptures with Liverpool’s latest injury-time winner, while Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone completely unraveled on the sideline.

In trademark Liverpool fashion, Arne Slot’s men made life dramatic once again—surrendering a two-goal lead for the third time this season before snatching victory right at the death.

Marcos Llorente, who has history at Anfield, looked to have rescued a point for the Spaniards with a thunderous late strike. But in stoppage time, Liverpool’s captain rose highest from a corner to head home, ensuring the Reds began their Champions League journey with a win.

Van Dijk delivers, Simeone explodes

While Van Dijk sprinted toward the Kop in jubilation, Simeone was busy raging at anyone within shouting distance—opponents, officials, and even home supporters in the Main Stand.

A scuffle broke out on the sidelines as tempers flared, before the Atletico coach stormed toward the fourth official, only to be shown a red card and sent down the tunnel by the referee.

Another late hero moment for Liverpool’s skipper

It wouldn’t be a European night at Anfield without chaos. Despite playing their best football of the season—with Florian Wirtz dazzling throughout—Liverpool’s wastefulness in front of goal nearly cost them when Llorente struck late on.

But, as he did in last season’s title run-in against West Ham, Van Dijk came through with a clutch finish, sending the stands wild and sparking pandemonium both on and off the pitch.

Simeone, infamous for his antics during Atletico’s win at Anfield in 2020, was at his fiery worst again—rarely staying inside his technical area and berating everyone in sight.

He had no grounds to complain about the winning goal either, with nothing resembling a foul in the box. If anything, Atletico were fortunate their equaliser stood, as Antoine Griezmann looked offside and obstructed Alisson’s view of Llorente’s volley.

In the end, VAR didn’t deny Liverpool, who once again proved that when it comes to the Champions League, they prefer to do things the hard way.

📹 Watch Van Dijk’s decisive header and Simeone’s touchline meltdown below via @footballontnt on X:

VIRGIL VAN DIJK STRIKES IN STOPPAGE TIME 🔴
Another late Liverpool winner stuns Atlético Madrid!