Liverpool Lift UEFA Super Cup, Defeat Chelsea Via Penalties

Liverpool won the first trophy of the season as the Reds defeated Chelsea 5-4 via penalties to lift the UEFA Super Cup title at Istanbul on Wednesday.

Chelsea began the game like a house on fire as they unsettled Liverpool from one attack to another, only to be let down by poor finishing.

In the 21st minute, Pedro had the chance to put the Blues in front but he was denied by the woodwork. A few minutes later, Olivier Giroud was given the space to hit a sublime bicycle-kick in the 18-yard box that never threatened Liverpool goalkeeper, Adrian.

The Reds also had a fair chance in the 27th minute when Van Dirk’s header went over the ball. However, the deadlock was broken as Giroud netted the opening goal in the 36th minutes after he was set up by a well-timed Christian Pulisic’s pass to give Chelsea the lead.

The first half ended with Liverpool relatively chasing the ball while the London club controlled possession just the way they did against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

At the resumption of the second half, Liverpool responded with a goal as Sadio Mane scored in the 47th minute after a swift change of pass with Ferminho.

Chelsea scored through Mason Mount in the 84th minute but the center referee disallowed the goal due to offside.

Also, Mane could have settled the game in the 86th minutes but failed to hit the ball in the right target.

All efforts to snatch the winning goal from both teams proved abortive as the second half ended 1-1, leading to extra time.

Liverpool extended their lead in the 94th minute of extra time as a sweet cut-back was slotted into the net by Senegalese forward, Mane.

However, Chelsea was awarded a penalty when substitute, Tammy Abraham was brought down by Liverpool goalkeeper, Adrian. The resulting penalty was converted by Jorginho in the 99th minute.

The second half of extra time produced so much fireworks as both teams went for the killer goal.