Liverpool defeat Atletico Madrid in five-goal thriller
Salah scores brace as Liverpool continue with 100% record
Mohamed Salah was impressive as his brace helped Liverpool defeat Atletico Madrid 3-2 in a thrilling encounter at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid in their UEFA Champions League Group B fixture.
Having won their first two games against FC Porto and AC Milan, Liverpool were looking to continue their 100% start to the group stage campaign and exact revenge on Atletico Madrid after their last meeting saw Los Rojiblancos knock them out of the competition in 2020.
The Reds wasted no time in laying down a marker as they went in front after only eight minutes through in-form forward Mohamed Salah’s deflected effort. The Egyptian cut in from the right flank before jinking past a number of challenges and shooting from outside the box.
Liverpool quickly doubled their advantage through Guinean midfielder Naby Keita after only 13 minutes. Keita volleyed home superbly after a weak headed clearance by Atletico Madrid defender Felipe to put his side two goals up.
Atletico Madrid pulled one back through Barcelona loanee Antoine Griezmann in the 20th minute. The French forward was set up by captain Koke as he reacted quickest in the six-yard box to divert Koke’s shot past Alisson.
Griezmann added an exquisite second to draw the home side level in the game just after the half-hour mark. Griezmann latched onto a through ball from youngster Joao Felix before firing an effort into the net in the 34th minute to make it 2-2.
The Frenchman went from hero to villain as he received his marching orders after getting a straight red card in the 52nd minute for a high boot that connected with the head of Roberto Firmino.
Salah then had the final say as his penalty helped Liverpool defeat Atletico Madrid in dramatic fashion. Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso needlessly barged into Diogo Jota, giving away a penalty that Salah fired into the net in the 78th minute.
Salah’s efforts saw him become the first player in history to score in nine consecutive matches for Liverpool. The Egyptian helped Liverpool defeat Atletico Madrid to maintain their 100% record in the group.
