- Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone was sent off last night as his side suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League
- Speaking after the match, Simeone said he received insults from the fans throughout the game and his tempers boiled when van Dijk scored the late winner
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone was sent off last night as his side suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League. Simeone was dismissed by the match’s referee after Virgil van Dijk scored the winning goal deep in stoppage time at Anfield Stadium.
The drama started when a small number of Liverpool fans behind Simeone appeared to provoke him. The 55-year-old complained to the fourth official and several stewards were positioned between him and the fans. However, he continued to protest and had to be dragged away before the referee showed him a straight red card.
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Speaking after the match, Simeone said he received insults from the fans throughout the game and his tempers boiled when van Dijk scored the late winner.
“Firstly I regret the part I played. It’s clear we are in a position where we do not have the right to react and it is not good when we react… My reaction isn’t justifiable but do you know what it is like to be insulted for 90 minutes? I hope Liverpool can improve that aspect and that when they identify the person who did that, there will be consequences.” BBC Sport quotes Diego Simeone.
Simeone was asked about the nature of the insults but responded by saying that he cannot remember the exact words said to him by the fans.
Whereas it was a disappointing night for Simeone and his team, Liverpool boss Arne Slot got the best present for his birthday, thanks to van Dijk’s late strike. Last night’s game marked the fifth time that Liverpool have needed a late goal to win.
How Liverpool Beat Atletico Madrid
The build-up to the UEFA Champions League clash between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid was centered around summer signing Alexander Isak making his debut for the Premier League giants. Isak, who arrived from Newcastle United on transfer deadline day for a record £125 million, eventually had his first start in front of the home fans at Anfield after missing last weekend’s Premier League fixture.
Liverpool had the perfect start against Atletico, a team that is known for being more defensive, going 2-0 up inside six minutes. Mohamed Salah, who has been outstanding for the Reds this season, was involved both goals. His free-kick in the fourth minute took a decisive deflection against Andrew Robertson to wrong-foot Atletico Madrid’s goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
The Egyptian then scored two minutes later after a quick one-two with midfielder Ryan Gravenberch. With the crowd at Anfield roaring and the players responding perfectly, it looked as though the Premier League champions were on course for a resounding win.
