Liverpool came from behind before edging Chelsea by the slimmest of margins, beating the Blues 5-4 on penalties to lift the UEFA Super Cup.
Much improved from the 4-0 drubbing they received at the hands of Manchester United this past weekend, Chelsea were the better of the two sides in the first half. And, the Blues grabbed a well-deserved lead in the 36th minute, when Olivier Giroud scored from close range.
But, Liverpool struck back early into the second half through Sadio Mane, who tapped in for a simple goal after some fine work by Roberto Firmino. The chances started flowing in thereafter, but neither side could add to their tally, as the UEFA Super Cup went into extra time.
Early into the extra time, it was Liverpool who struck again, as Mane doubled his and his side’s tally following another game changing moment by Firmino. But, just when it had looked like the Reds had completed the turnaround, Chelsea found a way back as Adrian brought Tammy Abraham down in his area to hand the Blues a penalty.
Up stepped Jorginho, who made no mistake in slotting the ball into the back of the net. The game subsequently went into penalty shootout, but it was the Liverpool players who held their nerves, as Adrian saved the decisive spot-kick from Abraham to clinch the UEFA Super Cup for his side. And, Adrian was the major talking point on Twitter after going from zero to hero against Chelsea.
What an emotional August Adrian has experienced. Released by West Ham. Without a club after 13 year career. Signs as back-up for Liverpool Aug 5. Within 2 Weeks he is the starter and hero, mobbed by new teammates after Super Cup Penalty Shoot out win in Istanbul. Never Give Up? pic.twitter.com/0rh5qaj67s
— roger bennett (@rogbennett) August 14, 2019
Rocky night for Reds but Adrian answers the call.
— Raphael Honigstein (@honigstein) August 14, 2019
Imagine you’re Adrian, haven’t started a match since January, then become a free agent. Sign for Liverpool and today he’s saved a penalty to win the UEFA Super Cup. His first trophy of his professional career.
What a story! pic.twitter.com/H4t5pPreEq
— Khairil Anuar (@KhairilAnuar) August 14, 2019
Remember when we got Adrian on a free and he won us a trophy. pic.twitter.com/OfY2qCc0QY
— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) August 14, 2019
Adrián could’ve spent his summer partying in Miami or Cancún, but instead, he kept his head down, kept working, striving, and sweating in a semi-pro team, waiting to pounce on the first major opportunity that came his way.
We need more feel-good stories like this.
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) August 14, 2019
*adrian saves the penalty*
Every Liverpool fan:
pic.twitter.com/TJplocQgkX— MagicMo?? (@MagicMo11LFC) August 14, 2019
Adrian from zero to hero. Penalty and goal conceded to a great save in d shootout !! Another cup collected for Liverpool, on a roll again ! #LIVCHE
— Stephen Gleeson (@StephenGleeson_) August 14, 2019
Meanwhile, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino were also hailed by fans for their key contributions to the win, with the duo leaving Liverpool on the cusp of victory before the penalties.
Sadio Mané ?? & Bobby Firmino ??
Two of the most underrated footballers in the world. Absolute class pair. #LIVCHE pic.twitter.com/rfYrRrRnmJ
— FPL DB (@FPLDB) August 14, 2019
Roberto Firmino returning to Melwood after that performance #SuperCup pic.twitter.com/UuGfdMr0N0
— Kain Bull (@BullKain) August 14, 2019
If anyone says Firmino is overrated show them the highlights from this game, almost telepathic with Sadio Mane #supercup pic.twitter.com/vUvFtc6SiM
— LFC (@RockyKlopp) August 14, 2019
The top scorers for #LFC in European competitions
Steven Gerrard – 41
Michael Owen – 22
Ian Rush – 20
Roger Hunt – 17
Sadio Mane – 17SuperMane making history ? pic.twitter.com/LgEqAUJ1tB
— Mo Salah Facts (@MoSalahFacts) August 14, 2019
If ever there was a night to demonstrate Roberto Firmino’s importance to #LFC, this was it….https://t.co/sEJOqo4vpz
— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) August 14, 2019
Sadio Mane is world class. Pass it on. #LFC
— Albs ?? (@albimakingart) August 14, 2019