Diego Simeone has hailed Alisson Becker after Liverpool beat his Atletico Madrid side 3-2 in the Champions League last night, speaking to Marca.
The game at the Wanda Metropolitano had everything – five goals, countless chances, dreadful defending, a controversial red card, a penalty given, a penalty taken away, a wondrous volley, records shattered, offside confusion and, to top it all, a silly row about handshakes.
A 78th minute spot-kick winner from Mo Salah not only made him the highest all-time Champions League goalscorer in Liverpool’s history with 31, it also ensured Jurgen Klopp’s rampant Reds have one foot and four toes in the knockout stages.
The men from Merseyside were far from their irrepressible selves in the Spanish capital, however. They gifted Atletico a route back into the game after racing into a 2-0 lead in the blink of an eye, Naby Keita’s thumping volley adding to a deflected Salah opener.
And, if it wasn’t for a series of saves from the outstanding, octo-limbed Alisson, Atletico might have turned a two-goal deficit into a 3-2 lead before Salah struck the decisive blow.
Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker made ‘great saves’ against Atletico Madrid
“A tough match, an opponent who has a great style, who usually wins matches by many goals,” reflected Simeone, who must have covered as much ground as some of his players during an evening pacing the touchline, limbs aloft and baying to the crowd.
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“We did not start the match as we wanted and, after the second (Liverpool) goal, we started playing the match we were looking for. We had chances to put ourselves ahead (but) the goalkeeper made great saves.”
Atletico’s chances weren’t helped by a contentious red card for Antoine Griezmann just after half-time. The France star made Champions League history in the process by becoming the first player to be sent off after scoring twice.
Accidental or not, we’re pretty sure literally kicking a man in the face constitutes ‘reckless’ play.
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