Alisson: Napoli save felt like scoring a winner
For Alisson Becker, the stoppage-time save against Napoli was the closest thing to scoring a winning goal.
Tuesday’s Champions League tie, on which both Liverpool’s and the Italian side’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stages hinged, remained in the balance when four minutes were added on at Anfield.
The Reds led 1-0 courtesy of Mohamed Salah’s goal. The scoreline was one of a set few which would guarantee Jürgen Klopp’s team a place in the last 16 at the expense of Napoli.
And then a cross from the right fell at the feet of Arkadiusz Milik, who seemed a certain scorer yards out. If he could prod the ball home, qualification went to the visitors rather than the hosts.
Instead, Alisson rushed from his line to block the shot and dramatically preserve Liverpool’s ambitions in the tournament.
Asked if the stunning save felt equivalent to scoring a winner, the goalkeeper – who has achieved 12 clean sheets in 22 appearances for the Reds – told The Times: “Definitely that is the case.
“A save at the end of the game is always great and you feel you have contributed to the game. Of course, an important save in the first minute is as important as a save in the last minute but for the fans it’s the closest thing to scoring a goal in the last minute, like we did in the derby against Everton.
“But I only managed to make that save with the help of my teammates’ contribution and thank God we got the victory.”
The European showdown with Napoli followed another unforgettable Anfield occasion in Alisson’s first Merseyside derby at the beginning of the month.
Another rivalry takes centre stage this weekend, with Manchester United the visitors on Sunday afternoon as Premier League leaders Liverpool aim to extend their unbeaten run.
It’s a fixture the Brazil international already has knowledge of, but one he believes can only be fully understood once played in.
“The two clubs I played for previously, Internacional and Roma, had two major derbies so I’m used to derbies and, worldwide, the Liverpool-United rivalry is well known,” said the No.13.
“We were very familiar with it in Brazil, more aware of it than of the Liverpool and Everton rivalry given the size of the two clubs, but knowing about it and experiencing it are two different things. I can’t wait to experience it and some beautiful football.
“The game against Napoli was really special; we had to get a specific result and were pushed on by the supporters. I don’t think Sunday will be any different.
“It’s a really important game in terms of our aspirations to win the title. We need the win. We will have the support to do that and to continue with our excellent trajectory.”