ReactionWhy Champions League win at Leipzig had extra meaning for Caoimhin Kelleher
Liverpool’s win at RB Leipzig was especially meaningful to Caoimhin Kelleher, given it was his first Champions League appearance since December 2020.
The Republic of Ireland international continued in goal for the Reds at Red Bull Arena on Wednesday night in the absence of the injured Alisson Becker – the third game in the competition of his career.
And after Darwin Nunez had provided Arne Slot’s side with a lead during the first half, Kelleher delivered two outstanding reaction saves late on to help ensure they held the 1-0 result.
“One of the lads asked me before the game actually when my last Champions League game was. I think it was maybe three years ago,” the No.62, who was voted Carlsberg Player of the Match by supporters, said post-match.
“Special to be back in this tournament especially and to get the clean sheet was nice.”
On the nature of the clash in Germany – which saw Liverpool post a third successive victory of the league phase – Kelleher continued: “1-0 at any stage, especially towards the end, is difficult.
“I think we probably dominated most of the game up until about maybe 70 minutes or just past that. When it’s only 1-0 and you don’t get that second goal it’s difficult, and they created a few chances. But the main thing is we got the win.”
A hugely positive beginning to Slot’s reign as head coach was reflected in another club record achieved under the Dutchman on the evening.
His side are now the first in Liverpool history to have won each of their opening six away fixtures of a season, while overall his record shows 11 victories out of 12.
“A big part of that is the clean sheets and the defending, that’s what the team needs to be built on,” said Kelleher. “Especially in these away games.
“There’s obviously going to be times when the home team gets on top and creates chances, but we need to be there to defend and make saves. That’s the most important thing.
“This season especially we’ve really built on our defence and been really good.”
Next on the schedule for the Reds is another away trip, to Emirates Stadium this weekend for a much-anticipated Premier League encounter with Arsenal.
Kelleher added: “Obviously everyone knows it’s a massive game coming now on Sunday. Keeping the momentum is important for us; another clean sheet and scoring a goal as well.
“We’ll be ready now for Sunday and we know we need a lot more.”
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