Adli’s late goal hands Bournemouth dramatic 3-2 win over Liverpool

Bournemouth 3-2 Liverpool, Late Drama Ends Reds’ Unbeaten Run

Bournemouth produced one of their most dramatic Premier League nights to stun Liverpool 3-2 at the Vitality Stadium, with Amine Adli’s stoppage time strike bringing a breathless contest to a thrilling conclusion.

Liverpool had clawed their way back from two goals down and looked to have salvaged a point through Dominik Szoboszlai’s late free kick, only for Bournemouth to find one final surge. Adli reacted quickest after a chaotic goalmouth scramble in the fifth minute of added time, sparking wild celebrations and handing Arne Slot his side’s first defeat since November.

For Liverpool, it was a sobering reminder that control without concentration is fragile. For Bournemouth, it was a statement victory built on belief, bravery and ruthless use of key moments.

Photo: IMAGO

Early chaos costs Liverpool control

The opening half hour tilted sharply in Bournemouth’s favour during a damaging seven minute spell that Liverpool never fully recovered from. Evanilson opened the scoring in the 26th minute after Virgil van Dijk failed to clear his lines. The ball was driven back across goal and Evanilson made no mistake, compounding Liverpool’s misery as Joe Gomez was injured in a collision with Alisson during the same phase.

With Gomez receiving treatment and Wataru Endo preparing to enter, Liverpool chose to play on with ten men. Bournemouth sensed vulnerability and punished it. In the 33rd minute, Alex Jimenez burst through on goal after a precise through ball from James Hill and finished coolly between Alisson’s legs to make it 2-0.

It was a period defined by Liverpool hesitation and Bournemouth conviction. The hosts pressed with intensity and Liverpool, suddenly stretched, struggled to regain rhythm.

Liverpool fight back through set piece strength

What followed was a reminder of Liverpool’s resilience and their enduring threat from dead ball situations. Just before half time, Van Dijk atoned in part for his earlier error by powering home a header from Szoboszlai’s corner to pull a goal back.

That goal shifted momentum and Liverpool carried it into the second half. Mohamed Salah, from a free kick, showed composure to roll the ball into Szoboszlai’s path and the Hungarian midfielder struck first time into the bottom corner to level the score at 2-2. It was his second free kick goal of the week and another reminder of his growing influence.

At that point, Liverpool looked the more likely to go on and win it. Their pressure increased and Bournemouth were forced deeper, relying on discipline and their goalkeeper to keep them in the contest.

Goalkeepers and missed moments

Both sides had opportunities to tilt the match in their favour. Alisson produced a sharp save to tip Ryan Christie’s effort over the bar, while at the other end Djordje Petrovic delivered a superb stop to deny Florian Wirtz from close range.

Photo: IMAGO

Those moments proved pivotal. Liverpool’s dominance did not translate into a decisive third goal and Bournemouth, though under pressure, remained dangerous on transitions and set pieces. The match felt poised on a single mistake or moment of inspiration.

Stoppage time heartbreak at Vitality Stadium

That moment arrived deep into stoppage time. Liverpool failed to deal with a long throw and the ball ricocheted around the penalty area. Adli stayed alert, reacted quickest and drove the ball home from close range to seal a famous Bournemouth 3-2 victory.

For Liverpool, it was a harsh end to a game they had rescued through character and quality, only to lose through a lapse in organisation at the death. It also means they remain without a Premier League win in 2025, a statistic that underlines the frustration around recent performances.

Slot will point to the early errors and the decision to play on with ten men as turning points. Bournemouth, meanwhile, deserve full credit for their intensity, their belief and their ability to strike when Liverpool were at their most vulnerable.

This was a night that showcased the Premier League at its most dramatic, with Bournemouth and Liverpool delivering a contest that swung on fine margins and finished with a moment that will live long in home supporters’ memories.