Liverpool's Sadio Mane, left, scores his side's opening goal during the UEFA Super Cup soccer match between Liverpool and Chelsea, in Besiktas Park, in Istanbul, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. (AP Photo)
Adrian was the shootout hero as Liverpool lifted the UEFA Super Cup with victory over Chelsea in Istanbul.
The free signing goalkeeper was thrust into the starting line-up after Alisson was injured last Friday against Norwich.
And the 32-year-old saved Tammy Abraham’s spot-kick as Jurgen Klopp’s men won 5-4 on penalties at Vodafone Park after a 2-2 draw.
Klopp ran to celebrate with Adrian and his team after the Champions League winners came out on top in Turkey.
Adrian said: “Welcome to Liverpool! It was a crazy week. I’m really happy for the team and to get that trophy, and also really happy for the fans.”
Sadio Mane scored twice in his first start of the season, while Olivier Giroud and Jorginho bagged Chelsea’s goals at Vodafone Park.
Chelsea were the better team in the first half, and took a deserved lead when Olivier Giroud slid Christian Pulisic’s pass through Adrian’s legs in the 36th minute.
The American playmaker thought he’d doubled Chelsea’s lead five minutes later, but his low effort was ruled out for offside.
Liverpool’s best chance in the first half fell to Mo Salah, but Kepa Arrizabalaga sprung low to right to deny the Egyptian striker.
Olivier Giroud slid Chelsea into the lead in the 36th minute at Vodafone Park
Jurgen Klopp made changes at half-time with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain hauled off and Roberto Firmino coming on in his place.
The Brazilian striker made an immediate impact, latching onto a through ball from Fabinho and setting Sadio Mane up for the equaliser in the 48th minute.
Mason Mount came on for Chelsea and thought he’d scored a late winner, but his strike was ruled out for offside.
Mane bagged his second goal early in extra-time when he lashed a right-foot shot past Kepa from 15 yards that rattled the underside of the crossbar and found the top corner.
Sadio mane levelled for Liverpool early in the second half
Sadio Mane rattled in his second early in extra-time
Chelsea weren’t finished, though, and had their equaliser when Jorginho converted a controversial penalty 10 minutes into the extra period.
Substitute Abraham was brought down by Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian and referee Stephanie Frappart pointed to the spot.
VAR confirmed the spot-kick, and Jorginho coolly sent Adrian the wrong way, but TV replays showed minimal contact between Adrian and Abraham.
Jorginho scored from the penalty spot to send the game to a shootout
Adrian exacted his revenge on the Chelsea striker, though, saving his spot-kick to seal victory for Liverpool on penalties.
The first nine penalties all found the back of the net, leaving Abraham to take Chelsea’s fifth spot-kick.
The young forward tried to go straight down the middle, but the Spanish stopper was equal to the task to make the decisive save.
It was Liverpool’s fourth UEFA Super Cup triumph and made amends for their Community Shield defeat by Manchester City on penalties.
Source: starrfm.com.gh
