LIVERPOOL: Goalkeeper Alisson Becker was labelled a “life saver” by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp for a last-gasp save that secured a 1-0 win over Napoli at Anfield and progress to the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday.
Mohamed Salah’s stunning solo effort put the hosts in front 11 minutes before half-time, but Liverpool were nearly made to pay for their profligacy in missing a series of second-half chances.
Alisson had barely been tested until the Brazilian number one spread himself brilliantly to deny Arkadiusz Milik a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser and go a long way to justifying the then-world record 67-million ($85 million) fee for a goalkeeper Liverpool paid Roma in July.
The goal Mo scored, what a goal! And the save Ali made (was) unbelievable. It was of course a life saver tonight.”
Despite losing all three of their away games in Group C, three home wins at fortress Anfield were enough to see Liverpool through to the knockout stage on goals scored over the Italians in second place behind Paris Saint-Germain, who won 4-1 away to Red Star Belgrade to secure top spot.
“I’m still full of adrenaline, I could feel it in bubbles,” added Klopp. “This game was just amazing. The boys played with their whole heart on the pitch.”
Liverpool’s charge to the Champions League final last season was spearheaded by Salah’s 44-goal season. (AFP)
