Programme notesVirgil van Dijk: We can't wait for another Champions League campaign
Virgil van Dijk has described his anticipation for the start of another Champions League campaign with Liverpool.
The Reds kick off their European fixtures for 2026-27 under the lights at Anfield tonight, with La Liga side Atletico Madrid the visitors.
Three times a finalist in the competition while at the club and having experienced so many memorable occasions in L4, Van Dijk does not take such opportunities for granted.
“The Champions League is a competition that everyone involved with this club holds dearly, and we can’t wait to get our campaign under way this evening,” the captain writes in the matchday programme.
“When you play for Liverpool, these are the nights you live for, challenging yourself against the best teams and the best players. It is a privilege that must never be taken for granted.
“I know you guys know that, and I know that Anfield will be rocking as usual tonight. I’m looking forward to seeing and hearing you all.
“Reflecting on the game against Ipswich last Friday, it is easy to see the positives. Whether it is the performance of Alex [Isak] with his two goals, of Cody [Gakpo] with his two exceptional assists, of Macca [Alexis Mac Allister], of Ronald [Araujo] coming in for his first Premier League start, or of our new signing Bradley Barcola coming off the bench in the second half, there was a lot to like about the way we played and the way the evening went for us.
“The three points are the most important thing, of course, and we needed those, but the way we worked together as a team, the way we pressed and defended and fought to preserve the clean sheet was very pleasing.
“Now we need to show those things – and more – on a consistent basis.
“Tonight will be another tough game. We are welcoming a very strong opponent, one we have become pretty familiar with in recent years. Atletico Madrid will always compete and they will always have quality. We will need to work extremely hard if we want to start with a victory this evening.
“As I say, though, these are the games you want to be involved in, and I know that everyone in the dressing room is ready to give whatever it takes to get the win.
“Together, let’s make this another classic Champions League night at Anfield.”
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