(CNN) — Liverpool held its nerve to win the European Super Cup after defeating Chelsea on penalties in Istanbul on Wednesday.
Following an amazing contest that finished at 2-2 after extra time, it was Liverpool that prevailed 5-4 on place kicks, with goalkeeper Adri??n quitting a shot from Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham to ignite parties from those in red.
This was a moment.
The 32-year-old goalkeeper, that had been released by West Ham at the end of last year, came at Anfield just last week after registering to replace the leaving Simon Mignolet.
Few believed he would be called into activity through his time at the club, before No. 1 Alisson Becker had been hurt in the opening day win over Norwich on Friday.
It supposed Adri??n, who hadn’t played a single minute of first-team soccer since seeming in an FA Cup tie from third-tier Wimbledon in January, was thrust in action in Istanbul.
“What a story — Adrian! Just like Rocky after he lost to Apollo Creed,” Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp said to BT Sport following the match. “He kept together his nerves. He is loud in the dressing area today.
“I don’t think he’s won a good deal in his life, so it’s very great for him to acquire it. He made some unbelievable saves, both keepers did, so I’m really happy for him.”
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This distinct European Super Cup final, the annual contest between the winner of the European Champions League and also the Europa League victor, created history in front of a ball had been kicked.
The very first closing involving two English clubs, it also provided the stage for Stephanie Frappart to become the first female referee to take charge of a major men’s European competition.
Frappart, who also led last month’s Women’s World Cup final, has been linked by assistant referees Manuela Nicolosi and Michelle O’Neill at officiating a fun contest in which both teams might conceivably have won until it moved to tax penalties.
Liverpool, last year’s Champions League winners, trailed at halftime since Chelsea deservedly took the lead through Olivier Giroud.
However, Klopp’s side improved after the interval, using Sadio Mane leveling out of close selection.
And also an extraordinary piece of goalkeeping prevented Liverpool out of carrying the lead with 14 minutes remaining as Kepa Arrizabalaga made an amazing double save to deny Mohamed Salah after which Virgil van Dijk.
With neither team able to find a winner within 90 minutes, the contest went into additional time, at which Liverpool struck first.
Yet more, it had been Mane who produced the breakthrough, now shooting home a sensational attempt with his right foot after awesome play by Roberto Firmino.
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But Chelsea, winners of this previous year’s Europa League, refused to buckle and also drew level when Jorginho fired home from the penalty spot after Adri??n had been judged to have fouled Abraham inside the area.
The match went to penalties, as well as Liverpool having played five, Abraham awakened needing to score — only for his kick to strike Adri??n’s legs and make sure heartbreak to Chelsea.
“I’ve got nothing but pride at the group and the operation and assurance in what that means,” Chelsea coach Frank Lampard informed BT Sport. “It was a tough game against a good Liverpool team that had additional time to recuperate after the weekend. But occasionally soccer comes down to little moments of luck.
“Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham added an additional dimension when they came on and were unlucky not to score. Tammy should keep up his head, because that’s part and parcel of becoming a leading player.”
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