The big screen in the corner of the quaint Estadi Montilivi displayed some pre-match entertainment. For Liverpool’s reserve goalkeeper, anyway. Caoimhin Kelleher’s penalty save from Kylian Mbappe appeared about 20 minutes before kick-off. It may be the highlight of the Irishman’s career. It was certainly the highlight of his night.
What followed was an illustration of why Kelleher may be the best second-choice goalkeeper in football. Alisson’s return to the team was a major decision, one foretold by Arne Slot’s stance that, no matter how many saves Kelleher made, the Brazilian remained his first choice. In keeping with Slot’s start to life at Anfield, he got it right.
