I’ve handed the Man of the Match award to him because he’s the one who truly earned it, not me. He genuinely saved Liverpool today,” Mohammed Salah reveals the ONE Liverpool player he believes deserved the Man of the Match honor.

“I’ve handed the Man of the Match award to him because he’s the one who truly earned it, not me. He genuinely saved Liverpool today.” – Mohamed Salah

BREAKING NEWS: Anfield was roaring last night after Liverpool’s dramatic 3-2 Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid, but Mohamed Salah’s post-match words stole just as many headlines as the late winner itself. While the Egyptian King opened the scoring in just the sixth minute and looked destined to collect the Man of the Match award, he shocked reporters by declaring that another Red was far more deserving of the honor.

According to Salah, the game’s true hero was none other than Virgil van Dijk. The towering Dutch defender not only marshalled Liverpool’s backline against Diego Simeone’s relentless Atlético press but also popped up at the most decisive moment of the night—thundering home a stoppage-time header that sealed three crucial points for Arne Slot’s side.

Salah said bluntly: “People talk about goals, but tonight was about leadership, courage, and stepping up when the team needed saving. Virgil did that. He deserves the award more than me, because without his goal and his presence, we would be walking away with just one point instead of three.”

The gesture left fans buzzing. Salah, who has built his Liverpool legacy on ruthless finishing and dazzling attacking displays, showed a different kind of leadership—acknowledging that sometimes, defenders are the ones who carry a team through the fire. Social media lit up immediately, with supporters praising Salah’s humility and Van Dijk’s unshakable mentality.

And it was no exaggeration. Van Dijk’s influence went beyond his 92nd-minute winner. Atlético Madrid had dragged the game back level through Marcos Llorente, who struck twice, including an 81st-minute equaliser that silenced Anfield. With the Spanish side threatening to steal a point—or even more—Van Dijk rallied his teammates, barked instructions, and turned defence into attack when it mattered most. His final act, rising above two defenders to meet a Robertson corner, was nothing short of iconic.

Liverpool’s 3-2 win was their first Champions League match under Arne Slot, and it could not have been scripted better: early goals, a fierce comeback from the opposition, late drama, and a captain stepping up like a warrior. Salah’s decision to deflect the spotlight only added to the night’s romance, proving once again why the bond between Liverpool’s stars and their fans runs so deep.

With Group Stage points now secured, the Reds will march forward with belief, knowing they have leaders across the pitch—attackers who can devastate defences and a captain who can single-handedly change destiny in stoppage time. For Salah, there was no debate: the night belonged to Van Dijk.