Salah openly admitted that Virgil van Dijk was the real hero of the night, crediting the Dutch captain for both his defensive leadership and his last-gasp winning goal.
“People remember goals, but tonight was about bravery and stepping up when everything was on the line,” Salah said. “Virgil did that. Without him, we’d be leaving with just one point, not three. He earned the award more than me.”
Van Dijk’s impact stretched far beyond his towering stoppage-time header. Atlético’s Marcos Llorente had dragged his side back into the contest with two goals, including a late equalizer that left Anfield stunned. Just when it seemed Liverpool might collapse, Van Dijk’s commanding presence steadied the ship—organizing the defense, lifting his teammates, and then delivering the decisive strike from a Robertson corner.
The victory was Liverpool’s first Champions League outing under new boss Arne Slot, and it couldn’t have been more dramatic: an early lead, a fierce response from the visitors, and a captain sealing glory in stoppage time.
For Salah, the moment was about humility and recognition. Known for his own goal-scoring exploits, he chose to highlight the defensive rock beside him, sparking admiration across social media. Fans hailed both Salah’s selflessness and Van Dijk’s warrior mentality, calling the captain’s performance “iconic.”
With three points in the bag and belief running high, Liverpool’s Champions League journey is off to a flying start. And on a night filled with drama, Salah made it clear—the spotlight rightfully belonged to Virgil van Dijk.
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