Liverpool have secured a spot in the Champions League knock-out stages after a 1-0 victory over Napoli. However, it could have been a different story had it not been for Brazilian shot-stopper Alisson.
With Napoli desperately pursuing a late equaliser, the ball fell to Arkadiusz Milik who came on for Dries Mertens in the second half. The Polish finisher looked destined to send the Premier League side out after controlling with his left and hitting a half-volley on the right but was denied by an oncoming Alisson.
WHAT A SAVE!
Alisson Becker rescues Liverpool in the 92nd minute and sends them into the #UCL last 16! #VMSport #UCL pic.twitter.com/u0TBjOd7Yt
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) December 11, 2018
Full-time: Liverpool 1-0 Napoli. Jurgen Klopp's side hold on for a 1-0 victory over the Italians and for a place in the last 16 of the Champions League https://t.co/KKze5rLbWH #rtesoccer pic.twitter.com/TuBI4lunA7
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) December 11, 2018
Robertson: "It's an unbelievable save that Alisson has pulled off."
— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) December 11, 2018
When you finally get passed Van Dijk and there's Alisson pic.twitter.com/COod9Hq6UN
— David Nezri (@dnez93) December 11, 2018
Alisson, I could cry! 😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/QhlMG9uIbS
— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) December 11, 2018
Alisson Becker is somehow making £65million look like small change. Another massive contribution. #LFC
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) December 11, 2018
Alisson is unreal.
— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) December 11, 2018
Speaking on RTE, former Liverpool man Dietmar Hamann stressed this is what happens when you invest in a quality goalkeeper: "This guy makes all the difference. He didn't have much to do today but what he did do in the last-minute saved the game and gave them a place in the last 16."
However, the Liverpool goalkeeper's contribution did not stop at that. He is a member of this new generation of goalkeepers who are capable with the ball at their feet as well as in the hand.
I know I’ll get the usual arses replying about this being a simple pass but the confidence in Alisson to be so advanced, joining in as part of the build-up and by-passing two lines of press is lovely to watch. pic.twitter.com/drbA01VrIB
— David Preece (@davidpreece12) December 11, 2018
Liverpool will discover their last sixteen opposition next Monday, with the final round of Champions League group games taking place on Wednesday.
