Liverpool faced off against Chelsea at the Vodafone Arena in Istanbul earlier tonight hoping to get their hands on the UEFA Super Cup. The Reds made a sluggish start to the contest as they gave away the ball cheaply in midfield. The Pensioners took full advantage of the situation and finally managed to make a breakthrough in the 36th minute through Olivier Giroud’s smart finish. The West London side grew in confidence and almost scored a second goal via Christian Pulisic before half-time. However, the American’s goal was ruled out as he was caught off-side by the VAR technology.
The Reds came up with a quick response in the second half when Sadio Mane found the back of the net in the 48th minute. Both teams fought hard but could not add to the goal-tally as the match finished 1-1 before extra-time.
Jurgen Klopp’s men scored early in the first half of extra-time before Jorginho levelled the scoreline from the penalty spot just moments later. The contest finished 2-2 after extra-time, and the Reds went on to win the penalty shoot-out 5-4 to lift the UEFA Super Cup for the fourth time in their history.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player performed during the match against the Pensioners.
GK: Adrian – 8/10
The Spanish keeper made a few crucial blocks at the back but was responsible for giving away the penalty in extra-time which opened the door for a Chelsea comeback. However, he made amends after extra-time when he saved Tammy Abraham’s penalty to win the UEFA Super Cup for Liverpool.
RB: Joe Gomez – 5/10
The English talent defended valiantly in the first half but crumbled under pressure towards the latter stages of the contest.
CB: Joel Matip – 7/10
The Cameroonian centre-back mopped up well to clear the danger for the Reds. However, he was a bit sloppy on the ball towards the end of the match.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk – 7.5/10
The Dutch defensive ace put in another commanding display at the back for the Merseyside outfit.
LB: Andrew Robertson – 5/10
It was an off-day from the Scotland international. He struggled to make an impact in the opposition half and looked shaky in defence as well.
CM: James Milner – 4/10
The English veteran looked slow and well off the pace in the first half, which gave the Pensioners an advantage on the counter.
CM: Fabinho – 7/10
The Brazilian workhorse held the Liverpool midfield on his own but often got outnumbered by the opposition.
CM: Jordan Henderson – 6.5/10
The Liverpool midfielder worked his socks off but lacked the cutting edge in the final third.
RM: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 3/10
He was not non-existent in the first half and was rightfully replaced at half-time.
ST: Mohamed Salah – 7/10
The Egyptian winger was once again Klopp’s best weapon in the attacking third of the pitch. He was a constant threat and was unlucky not to get a goal tonight.
LM: Sadio Mane – 8.5/10
The Senegalese speedster dragged his team back into the contest in the second half. He also gave Liverpool the lead in extra-time with a powerful finish.
Substitutes:
ST: Roberto Firmino – 8.5/10
The Brazilian striker completely changed the game after coming on at half-time. He orchestrated Mane’s first goal with a clever touch in the final third. Firmino kept his nerve under pressure to score during the penalty shoot-out.
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum – 6/10
The Dutchman brought some energy to the Liverpool midfield.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 5/10
The English youngster came off the bench but put in a lacklustre display at the back. However, the right-back scored his penalty after extra-time to help his team win the Super Cup.
ST: Divock Origi – 7/10
He was Liverpool’s best weapon in extra-time.
