Liverpool’s talisman Mohamed Salah wasted no time in making his mark on the new Champions League season, setting a new Mohamed Salah Champions League record in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid at Anfield. The Egyptian forward was instrumental from the very beginning of the European curtain-raiser, proving once again to be the man for the big occasion.
The match had barely begun when Salah got his first chance to influence the game. A free-kick awarded to the Reds right on the edge of the box was struck powerfully by the left-footed star. The ball took a significant deflection off teammate Andrew Robertson, wrong-footing goalkeeper Jan Oblak and finding the back of the net. While the goal was credited to the Scotsman, Salah registered a crucial assist just four minutes into the contest.
Just two minutes later, Salah decided to take matters into his own hands entirely. Finding space outside the area, he unleashed a superb strike from distance that flew past Oblak, doubling Liverpool’s lead and sending the Anfield crowd into a frenzy. It was a blistering start for the home side, orchestrated by their most reliable forward.
This goal was not just another strike for Salah; it was a historic one. The goal marked his 48th career goal in the Champions League proper, a significant milestone that moved him up the all-time scoring charts. With this finish, he drew level with two legendary strikers, Andriy Shevchenko and Zlatan Ibrahimović, to become the joint 12th-highest scorer in the competition’s history.
As if tying two legends was not enough for one night, Salah also set a new, unique record. According to Opta, he became the first player in Champions League history to both score a goal and provide an assist within the opening six minutes of a match for any English club. It was an instant and historic impact from a player who continues to operate at the highest level of world football.
His hunt for more goals was relentless throughout the match. In the 65th minute, the Egyptian star was desperately unlucky not to score his 49th career goal in the competition, smashing a powerful effort against the post with the goalkeeper beaten. As the season progresses, Salah finds himself in an exciting race with other elite forwards like Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, as they all look to climb the historic leaderboard and chase down legends like Thierry Henry and Alfredo Di Stéfano.
While the night began with Salah’s heroics, the match took a dramatic turn. A spirited Atlético Madrid fought back, with Marcos Llorente scoring twice to bring the Spanish giants level and threaten to spoil the party at Anfield. It was a tense affair that tested the resolve of the reigning Premier League champions.
However, in what is becoming a familiar theme this season, Liverpool found a way to win late. After several last-gasp victories in the league, the Reds showcased their winning mentality on the continental stage. A stoppage-time header from captain Virgil van Dijk ultimately secured all three points, ensuring that Salah’s record-breaking night ended in a team victory. The result highlights a newfound resilience in Arne Slot’s side, a refusal to accept anything less than a win, no matter the circumstances.