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Arne Slot, marking his 47th birthday, could have been left a few years older as his team subjected him to another nerve-shredding test once more.

Ultimately, though, Liverpool were able to secure a birthday win for their manager—but not before another dose of stoppage-time excitement that has defined their campaign so far.

It’s often said that 2-0 is a precarious lead in the game, and Slot’s side are giving it new meaning this term. They have let slip such a lead twice already—versus Bournemouth and Newcastle—repeating the pattern here facing Atletico Madrid.

Each time, however, the Reds have bounced back from near-disaster to claim all three points.

Such is the determination in this Liverpool team, coupled with the power of Anfield on big occasions, that it felt somewhat destined about Virgil van Dijk’s powerful near-post finish late in stoppage time.

The captain’s 93rd-minute decisive goal was the latest goal the club have notched in the dying moments this season, with six of their total post-interval goals arriving from the 88th minute onwards.

Slot was able to leaping for joy in his dugout once more, just as consistently done during Liverpool’s run of late winners. But even in triumph, he may prefer that his team would not leave supporters biting their fingernails before celebrating.

The team, for all their firepower, will not always pull off these heroics. Their sloppiness will concern Slot, even if they have shown repeatedly this year that they possess the resolve to recover.

“A game of this nature ought not to needed to a late winner,” the manager stated.

“I understand that’s the narrative of recent matches, but for me it is distinct from earlier games. We created so many excellent chances where we could have added a third goal.”

Attention on Isak but Salah Returns to His Best

The spotlight was on British-record acquisition Alexander Isak as he made his club bow following his move from Newcastle.

There were some sweet moments, but unsurprisingly he tired before coming off after an hour. Isak’s most recent competitive game was on in May, so it makes sense that the coaching staff are handling him gradually—with the forward appearing short of sharpness.

If Isak is the new Anfield superstar, among the old guard proved he is not ready to step back now. Mohamed Salah shrugged off some sluggishness to get back to his brilliant best.

He was a constant menace, even hitting the woodwork after Marcos Llorente pulled one back for the Spanish side.

Liverpool’s home has a particular significance in Llorente’s memory after he also scored twice when Atletico triumphed 3-2 in a Champions League last-16 fixture in March 2020.

In the aftermath that result, he named the pet he presented to his mom ‘Anfield’, and demonstrated again why this is his favourite venue with an leveler nine minutes from time.

The home side, true to recent form, refused to accept defeat.

On this occasion it was Van Dijk who snatched the victory for his team—ensuring Slot’s special day were capped by a win instead of a disappointing stalemate.

Isak Settles Into Liverpool Life

Isak, understandably, was some way from his best but showed sufficient in his hour on pitch to offer a golden hint of the quality his future may bring.

The hosts were already two goals ahead before the debutant took his initial involvement after the opening phase, and it prompted anxious murmurs around the stadium when he was seen banging his palm on the grass in pain after a tackle from opposition centre-back Robin Le Normand.

He slowly grew into the match, but started to look tired as the opening period ended. He returned for the second half, but it was no surprise when he was withdrawn to a warm applause before the hour.

Slot said: “Over the hour he played, he appeared quite fit to me. He didn’t look as if within a short time he was extremely fatigued. He could perform at the highest standard effectively after one or two weeks of team sessions.”

“He can play football and he’s a pleasure to watch. It’s not a surprise. He was in better condition than I anticipated, however the fans can’t get their expectations overly raised. We play multiple games a week and that’s a bit too much for him at this stage.”

“We have two great number nines [Alexander and Hugo Ekitike] and we’re going to utilize each of them throughout their time here.”

Isak had two shots that drew saves from Atletico goalkeeper Oblak, but the key positive was his link-up with fellow Liverpool signing, £116m playmaker Florian Wirtz.

They dovetailed superbly in the opening 45 to set up a opportunity for Frimpong, which he could not convert, then the striker’s instinctive flick—under pressure and blind—was played straight into the Wirtz’s path, earning cheers of delight from the fans.

Isak and Wirtz combined nine times in the match, this small glimpse of their understanding suggesting they will be a formidable weapon in Liverpool’s armoury.

Overall, it proved a subdued introduction for the new man—but sufficient to show what he will bring.