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Friday, 16 August 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
ISTANBUL (Reuters): Champions League winners Liverpool won the Super Cup 5-4 on penalties against Chelsea on Wednesday after the game ended 2-2 following extra-time.
With the first nine penalties all converted, Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham saw his effort blocked by the legs of Liverpool keeper Adrian to hand victory to JuergenKlopp’s side in the annual clash between Champions League and Europa League winners.
It was a memorable moment for the Spanish goalkeeper who only joined the club nine days ago and found himself thrust into the side following the injury to first-choice Alisson Becker in the Premier League opener against Norwich City on Friday.
“Welcome to Liverpool! It’s been a crazy week,” said the former West Ham keeper, signed as a free agent as back-up.
“I’m really happy for the team, I’m happy to play for Liverpool and happy for the fans. It was a long game but in the end a great finish for us.”
Liverpool, who beat Tottenham Hotspur in June’s Champions League final, have now won the trophy on four occasions while Chelsea have lost their last three appearances in the match.
While the Super Cup does not carry anywhere near the prestige of either of UEFA’s two season-long competitions, the first ever all-English affair was a good quality encounter played in hot, muggy conditions.
Although Chelsea ended the game in defeat, Lampard, who took over as manager in July following the departure of Maurizio Sarri, will be encouraged by a positive display after his lost their opening Premier League game 4-0 at Old Trafford.
Klopp was delighted with the win but aware that his side had come through a demanding game.
“It was a very difficult game for both teams. It was all about winning it and we did that in the end,” he said.
“Nobody in the stadium wanted extra-time, it was a killer. I’m not sure about the penalty but who cares now. We had to fight and the boys did tonight.”
