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Liverpool’s head coach, celebrating his 47th birthday, might have been left aging rapidly as his squad subjected him to another nerve-shredding test once more.

In the end, however, Liverpool were able to secure a birthday win for their boss—after yet another stoppage-time excitement that has defined their campaign so far.

It’s often said that a two-goal lead is the most dangerous lead in football, and Slot’s side have given it new meaning this season. They have let slip such a lead twice already—against AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle—and did so again in this match against the Spanish side.

On every occasion, however, Liverpool have bounced back from near-disaster to claim all three points.

This highlights the determination in Slot’s side, alongside the power of Anfield on big occasions, that there was somewhat destined about the Dutch defender’s powerful near-post finish late in added time.

The captain’s injury-time decisive goal was the fourth goal the club have notched in the dying moments across all competitions, with six of their eight second-half goals arriving from the 88th minute onwards.

The manager was able to celebrate wildly in his dugout once more, as he has consistently done during the team’s run of late winners. Despite triumph, he may prefer that Liverpool would not leave supporters knee-deep in their nails before the final whistle.

Even Liverpool, for all their attacking talent, will not always pull off these late escapes. Their sloppiness will concern Slot, even if they have shown repeatedly this season that they possess the character to fight back.

“This match like this should not have needed to a last-gasp goal,” Slot said.

“I understand that’s the narrative of recent matches, but in my view this was distinct from earlier performances. We created so many excellent chances where we could have added a third goal.”

All Eyes on Isak but Salah Returns to Top Form

All eyes were on British-record acquisition the Swedish international as he made his Liverpool bow following his move from Newcastle.

There were some sweet touches, but inevitably he tired before coming off after an hour. The striker’s most recent competitive game was on 25 May, so it is understandable that the coaching staff are easing him with care—with the forward looking rusty.

If Isak is the new Liverpool superstar, among the old guard proved he is not ready to step back just yet. The Egyptian winger shook off early-season sluggishness to return to his sparkling form.

He was a persistent menace, even hitting the woodwork after Marcos Llorente got one goal for the visitors.

Liverpool’s home has a particular place in Llorente’s heart after he previously notched a brace when his team won 3-2 in a European knockout fixture in March 2020.

In the aftermath that result, he called the dog he gave to his mom ‘Anfield’, and showed again why this is his favourite venue with an equaliser with nine minutes remaining.

Liverpool, true to recent form, refused to accept defeat.

This time it was the centre-back who snatched the win for his team—ensuring Slot’s birthday celebrations were accompanied by victory instead of a frustrating stalemate.

New Signing Eases Into the Team

The striker, understandably, was some way from his best but displayed sufficient in 58 minutes to provide a golden hint of the quality his future may hold.

The hosts were actually two goals ahead before Isak took his initial involvement after 10 minutes, and there were nervous murmurs around Anfield when he was seen banging his palm on the turf in pain after a tackle from Atletico defender Robin Le Normand.

He slowly worked his way into the game, but began to look tired as the opening period came to a close. He returned for the second half, but it was no surprise when he was substituted to a warm applause before the 60-minute mark.

The coach commented: “Over the 60 minutes he played, he seemed quite fit to me. He didn’t look as if after 10 minutes he was extremely very tired. He could play at the highest standard effectively after one or two weeks of team sessions.”

“He can play football and he’s a joy to watch. It’s expected. He was fitter than I expected, however the supporters shouldn’t get their hopes too high. We play three times a week and that’s a bit too much for him still.”

“We have two great number nines [Isak and Ekitike] and we’re going to utilize both of them throughout their career here.”

The Swede had two shots that forced stops from opposition goalkeeper Jan Oblak, but the key positive was his connection with fellow new signing, big-money midfielder Florian Wirtz.

They combined beautifully in the opening 45 to set up a opportunity for Frimpong, which he failed to convert, then Isak’s clever backheel—with his back to goal and without a look—was directed perfectly into the German’s path, bringing cheers of approval from the crowd.

Isak and Wirtz combined repeatedly in the game, this early glimpse of their understanding suggesting they will be a devastating weapon in the team’s armoury.

It was a quiet start for Isak—yet enough to hint at what he can bring.