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7 months ago
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Caoimhin Kelleher was hailed by Liverpool fans supporters after making a save with his face in the early stages of their Europa League quarter-final, before some fans suggested the stop contributed to a later error by the goalkeeper.
Kelleher was called into action in the third minute of Liverpool's last eight tie against Atalanta at Anfield.
The Italian side looked poised to take an early lead with the ball falling invitingly for Mario Pasalic in the box.
Kelleher dived at full stretch in front of the Atalanta star to make a crucial block to keep the match goalless.
Replays showed the Liverpool goalkeeper had blocked Pasalic's close range effort with his face, with Kelleher seen sporting a mark on his cheek where he made the block.
Caoimhin Kelleher was forced to make a save with his face to deny Atalanta from scoring
The Liverpool star came to Liverpool's rescue in the early stages of their Europa League tie
Pasalic's shot deflected off Kelleher's face and went behind for a corner to the Italian side
Former Liverpool star Steve McManaman, speaking on TNT Sports, hailed Kelleher for making the crucial stop and his contribution to Jurgen Klopp's side this season.
‘What a save this is by Kelleher and he’s got a mark on his face, X marks the spot where that save happened,' McManaman said.
‘He’s been brilliant [this season], we shouldn’t really call him a number two - only because Liverpool have Allison on the injury list!
'But he is certainly not a number two - he’s a brilliant number one.’
Klopp was seen mouthing 'wow' on the touchline, while Liverpool fans took to social media to hail Kelleher's save.
A mark was visible on Kelleher's face after the Liverpool goalkeeper made the stunning stop
Liverpool supporters hailed Kelleher for keeping Atalanta out in the early stages of the match
'Absolutely incredible save by Kelleher. Saved it with his face,' one fan wrote.
Another added 'Kelleher saving goals with his face now', while a third labelled the stop as 'outrageous'.
Kelleher was unable to prevent Liverpool from falling behind before half-time, with Gianluca Scamacca giving Atalanta a 38th minute lead.
The former West Ham striker's low effort went under Kelleher's body to give the Serie A side a shock lead.
Some fans suggested Kelleher may have been concussed after his error for Atalanta's goal
Some Liverpool fans claimed the goalkeeper may have been feeling the effects of his early save, suggesting the 25-year-old may have been concussed.
The Irish goalkeeper was making his 26th appearance of the season for Liverpool.
Kelleher has played a vital role for the Reds this season and has deputised by Alisson during Liverpool's No 1's recent injury.
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