“I’ve handed the Man of the Match award to him because he truly earned it, not me. He genuinely saved Liverpool tonight.”
Those were Mohamed Salah’s stunning words after Liverpool’s thrilling 3-2 Champions League win over Atlético Madrid at Anfield. Despite scoring the opener in the sixth minute and looking nailed on for the award himself, the Egyptian King insisted that Virgil van Dijk was the real match-winner.
The Dutch captain not only anchored Liverpool’s defence against Diego Simeone’s relentless side but also produced the decisive moment of the night—rising in stoppage time to thunder home a header that sealed all three points.
“People talk about goals, but tonight was about leadership, courage, and stepping up when the team needed saving,” Salah told reporters. “Virgil did that. Without him, we’d be walking away with one point, not three.”
Salah’s humility struck a chord with fans, who praised both his selflessness and Van Dijk’s warrior-like performance. Social media quickly lit up with tributes to the duo, with supporters calling the gesture a perfect reflection of Liverpool’s unity under Arne Slot.
Van Dijk’s influence stretched well beyond his winner. Atlético had fought back through Marcos Llorente’s double, including an 81st-minute equaliser that briefly silenced Anfield. But as Simeone’s men pressed for more, Van Dijk steadied Liverpool, organizing his teammates and driving them forward until his iconic late strike from a Robertson corner settled the contest.
Slot’s first Champions League game in charge had it all—early fireworks, a fierce comeback, late drama, and a captain stepping up in heroic fashion. Salah’s decision to pass on the plaudits only amplified the night’s romance, reminding fans why their bond with this squad remains so powerful.
For Liverpool, it was more than three points—it was a statement of resilience and leadership. And as Salah made clear, the night belonged to Virgil van Dijk.
