Adrian the hero as Liverpool win Super Cup

Thursday, 15 August 2019:

Back-up goalkeeper Adrian was the shootout hero as Liverpool once again tasted continental glory in Istanbul by overcoming Frank Lampard's Chelsea in the Super Cup.

The Turkish city will always have a special place in the hearts of Reds fans after the Champions League final in 2005, when Rafael Benitez's side snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against AC Milan.

Liverpool, just like that memorable night 14 years ago, emerged triumphant on spot-kicks as recently signed reserve keeper Adrian denied Tammy Abraham as Juergen Klopp's side won the shootout 5-4 having settled for 2-2 after extra time.

It was a dream first start for the former West Ham stopper, who only arrived at Anfield last week and was thrust into the starting line-up following Alisson Becker's calf injury.

"The goalkeeping coach told me he needs time to get fit, but he didn't have time. He played so well tonight," said Klopp. "His performance over 120 minutes was incredible and the penalty save was the icing on the cake."

History was also made at Besiktas Park where Stephanie Frappart became the first female official to take charge of a major UEFA men's competition event.

The French referee - assisted ably by Manuela Nicolosi and Michelle O'Neill of the Republic of Ireland - oversaw an enjoyable first all-English Super Cup, in which Chelsea deservedly went ahead as Olivier Giroud slammed home after Pedro hit the frame of the goal.

Christian Pulisic provided the assist and the offside flag prevented him scoring a classy second, allowing Liverpool to regroup.

Substitute Roberto Firmino showed great awareness to lay off to Sadio Mane as Klopp's men levelled minutes after half-time, with Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga pulling off a fine double save to keep the Champions League holders at bay.

Substitute Mason Mount saw a goal ruled out for offside as the match went into extra time, which was just five minutes old when Mane rifled home impressively.

But Chelsea were not to be denied as referee Frappart pointed to the spot, with Jorginho coolly slotting home after the decision was cleared by the video assistant referee.

Adrian denied Mount in the second half of extra time and Pedro curled just wide, with Mount forcing another save out of the Liverpool goalkeeper as the match went to penalties.

The keeper was guilty of bringing down Abraham for the penalty, but secured hero status by denying the substitute with the final spot-kick of the shootout.

"Welcome to Liverpool," Adrian said. "It's been a crazy week. I'm really happy for the team, I'm happy to play for Liverpool and happy for the fans."

Lampard understandably was downbeat.

"I don't like losing," said Lampard after his second game in charge yielded a second loss. "We were very unfortunate today. It's a really good sign for us."






AAP






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