After making a spectacular save early in their Europa League quarterfinal match, Caoimhin Kelleher was praised by Liverpool supporters. However, some fans felt the stop was partly to blame for the goalkeeper’s subsequent blunder.
In the third minute of Liverpool’s round of eight match at Anfield against Atalanta, Kelleher was brought into play.
The ball fell invitingly for Mario Pasalic in the box, and it appeared as though the Italian team was about to take the lead.
Kelleher made a vital block to keep the game goalless by diving full length in front of the Atalanta star.
Replays revealed that the Liverpool goalkeeper, Kelleher, had used his face to block Pasalic’s close-range attempt. His cheek was visible when he made the stop.
Speaking on TNT Sports, former Liverpool player Steve McManaman praised Kelleher for his role to Jurgen Klopp’s team this season as well as for making the vital stop.
“Kelleher made a fantastic save, and he has a mark on his face—X indicates the exact location of the save,” McManaman remarked.
“We shouldn’t really call him a number two because Liverpool has Allison on the injury list—he’s been brilliant [this season]!”
But he is unquestionably a fantastic number one and not a number two.
On the sidelines, Klopp could be heard muttering “wow,” as Liverpool supporters praised Kelleher’s save on social media.
Kelleher made a great save. saved it with his face,” a supporter commented.
One more person commented, “Kelleher is saving goals with his face right now,” and a third called the stop “outrageous.”
Gianluca Scamacca gave Atalanta the lead in the 38th minute, and Kelleher was powerless to save Liverpool from losing before the half.
With a low attempt that slipped beneath Kelleher’s body, the former West Ham striker gave the Serie A team an unexpected lead.
Some Liverpool supporters speculated that the 25-year-old goalie might have suffered a concussion as a result of his early save.
This was the Irish goalie’s 26th appearance for Liverpool this season.
This season, Kelleher has been an essential member of the Reds’ lineup. He filled in for Alisson when the No. 1 for Liverpool was recently injured.