Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea (5-4 on pens): 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis

#1 Adrian the hero as Liverpool add another Istanbul string to their European bow

Adrian saved Abraham's decisive penalty

Liverpool started off the game well and dominated the early proceedings. However, Chelsea quickly turned the tables and got into the ascendancy. The theme continued for the rest of the first half and the Reds fought tooth and nail to ensure they faced only a one-goal deficit at the break.

In the second period, Jurgen Klopp’s men turned the screw themselves and got onto the front foot. However, despite the offensive threat they carried, they were found wanting at the back, at times. Fortunately for them, their reserve goalkeeper, Adrian weathered the storm and made a string of saves, allowing Liverpool to maintain their foothold in the game.

Though the goalkeeper conceded a penalty in extra time, he redeemed himself in the shoot-out by saving Tammy Abraham’s spot-kick.

The save meant that Liverpool had clinched their 6th European trophy this century, a tally not matched by any of their English counterparts. But more importantly, the early silverware could act as a springboard for what might lie ahead.

The Reds weren’t at their best during pre-season and their transfer activity (or lack of) left a few football fanatics and pundits a shade sceptical. Yet, with a major trophy in the bag, Liverpool now look primed for another tilt at the title that has eluded them: The Premier League.

And, while the victory in Istanbul in 2019 might not be as glamorous as the club’s achievement in the same arena 14 years ago, one reckons that it could end up being just as important in their history.

After all, if they indeed lift the league title in May 2020, Klopp might look back at this night in Istanbul, an evening when all the stars started aligning itself favourably.