After a Long Night, Liverpool Wins the UEFA Super Cup
Seems like the 'Pool likes playing in Istanbul.
Back in 2005, the Reds claimed a Champions League trophy here after a 3-2 penalty shootout.
Now, upon their return, they've won the UEFA Super Cup after a 5-4 penalty shootout.
That's what it took to hoist the hardware after an exasperated Chesea ralled in the 101st minute to tie the game, 2-2.
Blues rookie manager Frank Lampard has gotta be wondering what it takes to break through.
Dude's first two matches that count come against a pair of fellow big brands, and even though his crew actually played quite well -- yes, even at Old Trafford last weekend despite the score -- they've got zilch to show for it.
Liverpool were the brightest side as the first half began, but Chelsea quickly equalized in terms of chances.
In fact, it was the Blues who got on the board first. In the 36th minute, American prodigy Christian Pulisic received a pass down the middle, drove forward, and created space for Olivier Giroud.
The French international said aloha to Adrían and then reminded him aloha also meant goodbye:
What's more, Pulisic scored a few minutes later to apparently put Chelsea in a commanding position, but VAR ruled that goal was offside.
Nothing gets by peering eyes anymore.
Unless, of course, something does. However, this wasn't Chelsea's night for catching a break.
It was only a matter of time before the 'Pool made its efforts count, and those moments materialized in the second half. Jürgen Klopp introduced Roberto Firmino into the proceedings, and the Brazilian proved to be a game-changer.
His instant impact was felt only minutes after play resumed.
Dude was targeted by his countryman, Fabinho, and wound up face-to-face with Kepa Arrizabalaga. Firmino unselfishly dished to Sadio Mané, who struggled to swing into the nylon but got the job done:
This was the sorta match that confirms why the Premiership is the world's most popular league. The action was non-stop, the aggression was relentless, and the 1-1 score after 90 minutes was no indication of all at the quality of each side's efforts.
That's was has to have Lampard mumbling to himself.
Anway, as per UEFA rules, in case of a draw at the end of regulation, extra time was up next.
Understandably, both sides simmered down a bit, but still, they each managed another score.
In the 95th minute, Liverpool's attack worked again. Mané passed to Firmino down the left side, the Brazilian low-crossed it back to him, and they had a bingo:
Chelsea's equalizer came via a controversial penalty by Adrían on Tammy Abraham.
Jorginho stepped up and converted from the spot:
As the draw remained until the last whistle, the Super Cup was decided by penalty shootout because that's what the demands of fitting into a TV slot dictate.
- Liverpool's takers were Firmino, Fabinho, Divock Origi, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Mohamed Salah. All of them scored.
- Chelsea's takers were Jorginho, Ross Barkley, Mason Mount, Emerson, and Abraham, who didn't save the best for last:
So it was that Liverpool won the UEFA Super Cup for the fourth time in its history.
And to think Adrían was a free agent without a club up until two weeks ago. How fortunes can change.