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Adrian the unlikely hero as Liverpool win 4th UEFA Super Cup

Matthew Ashton - AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty

A few weeks ago, goalkeeper Adrian was training with a club in the Spanish sixth tier after being released by West Ham United.

On Wednesday, he took home his first piece of major silverware.

Liverpool won the Super Cup for a fourth time thanks to Adrian's massive save in a seesaw shootout in Istanbul, Turkey.

The 32-year-old was thrust into the spotlight following Alisson's injury in the first match of the Premier League season. And after every taker converted from 12 yards, he stood tall, booting away Chelsea forward Tammy Abraham's effort to seal a 5-4 victory on penalties.

"What a story. He kept his nerves together," Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said. "He's loud in the dressing room already. I don't think he's won a lot in his life so it's good for him to win it. He made some unbelievable saves - both 'keepers did - so I'm really happy for him."

Derided as a glorified preseason friendly, UEFA's annual one-off fixture between the Champions League and Europa League winners was enthralling.

Making his first competitive start for Chelsea, new signing Christian Pulisic slipped an excellent defense-splitting pass to Olivier Giroud for the opening goal. Pulisic then had a goal disallowed after it was determined he'd veered offside.

Chelsea's strong start dissipated once referee Stephanie Frappart - the first female to officiate a major European men's match - blew for halftime.

Aided by the introduction of Roberto Firmino, Liverpool took the initiative after the interval. Firmino and Sadio Mane caused chaos in the penalty area, and the Senegalese international took advantage with a scrappy finish from close range.

Chelsea were again denied by the offside flag when Mason Mount struck the back of the net with an otherwise fine left-footed finish.

The contest erupted again in extra time. Minutes after Mane scored his second of the night - an unstoppable shot into the roof of Kepa Arrizabalaga's net - substitute Abraham won a penalty that teammate Jorginho calmly converted.

Adrian, however, would have his moment soon after.

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