Kelleher ‘confident’ he would stop Mbappe penalty | OneFootball

Caoimhin Kelleher said he was ‘confident’ he would save Kylian Mbappe’s penalty after a crucial save to deny the Frenchman in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Real Madrid.

Liverpool maintained their 100% record in the Champions League this season with an impressive victory over the holders at Anfield.

Alexis Mac Allister fired Liverpool into a deserved lead early in the second period, before Cody Gakpo’s header sealed success for Arne Slot’s side.

Liverpool required Kelleher to preserve their lead at 1-0, however, as the Irishman guessed right to deny Mbappe from the spot. Mohamed Salah then missed a penalty for Liverpool, after firing his effort wide of Thibaut Courtois’ goal.

Kelleher’s save came after the goalkeeper saved a spot-kick for the Republic of Ireland during November’s international break and the 26-year-old said he was ‘confident’ when faced with Mbappe from 12 yards.

Speaking to TNT Sports about his penalty save, Kelleher said: “I was confident and thankfully went the right way again.

“It is a big result. It is a massive result for us. We wanted to come out tonight and put on a performance and well done to the lads for doing that.”

Liverpool face another huge clash at the weekend when Manchester City arrive at Anfield. The Reds can extend their advantage over the Premier League champions to 11 points with a win, but Kelleher said Liverpool expect a tough test despite City’s poor recent form.

“I think confidence is high in the whole squad. Man City, we know they have had a tough few results but what a team. We expect a really tough test but this is good confidence for the team and we will go again.”

Read – Five of the best games between Liverpool and Real Madrid

See more – Liverpool vs Real Madrid – Combined XI ahead of UCL clash

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