Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome along to our minute-by-minute coverage of this year’s Uefa Super Cup.
It’s an all-English, all-Premier League affair as Champions League winners Liverpool and Europa League champions Chelsea go head-to-head in the Turkish capital.
The Reds, of course, enjoyed a very famous European night here fourteen years ago and will be hoping to bring another piece of silverware back to Merseyside on their flight back from Istanbul tonight.
Frank Lampard will have his say in that, though, despite the new Chelsea boss getting off to a rocky start last weekend with a 4-0 defeat to Manchester United.
The Uefa Super Cup is way down the pecking order in terms of his priorities this season, but there is no doubt that a trophy would settle some nerves and ease the former Blues skipper into his new role at the club.
Jurgen Klopp’s side came agonisingly close to a first-ever Premier League title last season. Liverpool are being hotly-tipped to go close again this season and got off to a perfect start on Friday night with an impressive 4-1 win at home to Norwich at Anfield.
Tonight is also a massive occasion for Wexford assistant referee Michelle O’Neill. The 40-year-old swimming instructor officiated last month’s Fifa Women’s World Cup final between the USA and Holland and will make history by officiating tonight’s Super Cup too.
It promises to be an intriguing night of European action. Kick-off at the 41,00-seater Vodafone Park (home of Beşiktaş) is coming up in an hour’s time at 8.00pm.
Let’s get started with the team news…
🗒️ TEAM NEWS:
— UEFA #SuperCup (@ChampionsLeague) August 14, 2019
🔴 Gomez at right-back; Oxlade-Chamberlain in front three
🔵 Kanté, Pulišić & Giroud all start for the Blues#SuperCup pic.twitter.com/lQwvKJkWSx
TEAM NEWS: Jurgen Klopp makes four changes from Friday’s night’s win over Norwich. Sadio Mane, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Joe Gomez and James Milner are all in, with Gini Wijnaldum, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Bobby Firmino and Divock Origi dropping out.
Frank Lampard has opted for three changes from his side’s disastrous 4-0 defeat at Old Trafford at the weekend. N’Golo Kante, Christian Pulisic and Oliver Giroud are in, Mason Mount, Ross Barkley and Tammy Abraham are out.
Liverpool: Adrian; Gomez, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Milner; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Salah, Mane.
Chelsea: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Christensen, Alonso; Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic; Pedro, Giroud, Pulisic.
A quarter of an hour to go before kick-off in Istanbul.
All logic points towards a Liverpool win tonight, but Chelsea will surely be fired up to prove their naysayers wrong after a brutal outing in Manchester three days ago.
“Our haters… are our motivators,” Frank Lampard booms to his players.
How do you see tonight’s game unfolding?
Poll Results:
Plenty of pre-game reading material ahead of kick-off:
- Jurgen Klopp full of praise for Lampard ahead of Super Cup clash
- No fears for Frappart as French referee prepares to make history in Super Cup
- ‘Salah will leave, I absolutely guarantee you’: United will win league before Liverpool, claims Neville
- Mane ready to start against Chelsea in Super Cup after AFCON campaign
- Liverpool have ‘arrogance in a nice way’ after European success, says Carragher
It’s a huge night ahead for Michelle O’Neill.
Alongside referee Stephanie Frappart and fellow assistant Manuela Nicolosi, the trio will make history as the first-ever all-female team to take charge of a major Uefa competition final.
“It is not our first time on the big stage,” the Enniscorthy woman said ahead of this year’s Super Cup between Liverpool and Chelsea.
“We did the Women’s World Cup and I was the first Irish person to be in a World Cup final.
“Personally I am proud that young girls and kids are being inspired and that we are opening the pathway for kids to come up. That is pretty special.”
We spoke to Michelle before she to flew to France for the Women’s World Cup. You can read that interview here.
Lead them out, skip 👊
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 14, 2019
It's warm-up time 💪🔴 #SuperCup pic.twitter.com/hO21uWRusQ
KICK-OFF: We’re underway in Istanbul for the first half!
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
A very urgent start by Liverpool here. James Milner wins an early throw-in deep inside his opponent’s half, Chelsea press readily and win the ball back, but Olivier Giroud commits a foul and it’s a free for Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Cagey enough opening few minutes, both sides getting some early touches to calm any nerves that might be brewing. Virgil van Dijk is penalised for a handball and the resulting free for Chelsea almost sees Christian Pulisic through on goal, but Joel Matip recovers and prods the ball away.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Close! A lofted cross from Jordan Henderson picks out Sadio Mane who jumps high into the air to try and execute an ambitious scissor kick. Mane does brilliantly to connect with the ball mid-air, but his shot crashes off Andreas Christensen and away.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Another half-chance for Liverpool as Mohamed Salah plucks the ball down to earth following a crossfield ball. He tries to jink past his man and the ball spills to the edge of the area to Jordan Henderson, but the skipper can’t get his shot away. Good recovery from Chelsea there.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Strike on target from Fabinho, but Kepa does really well to hold onto the ball. A patient move from one end of the field to the other by Liverpool, Fabinho shooting at a tricky angle with a powerful effort. But Kepa watched it all the way and showed good handling.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
A first opportunity for Chelsea and it comes from the left boot of Pedro. The Spaniard cuts inside cleverly and releases what looks like a tame effort, but Adrian has to dive all the way and carefully watch it go wide — just to be sure. Narrowly wide from Pedro there.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
More good defending from Andreas Christensen when it was needed most. James Milner and Jordan Henderson combine, sending the Liverpool captain free in space down the right. Henderson swings in a dangerous low cross, and Christensen needs to head wide for a corner.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Save! Mohamed Salah races through on goal, bounding into oceans of space. The Egyptian toe-pokes on his left foot aiming for Kepa’s bottom corner, but the goalkeeper does well to spread himself, get down early and provide an important save.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
A similar opportunity down the other end. Olivier Giroud has the better of Joel Matip, beating the centre back in a sprint race, but the French striker drags his left-footed shot well wide of the target, causing Adrian little to no fuss as we remain scoreless.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
A strong start from Liverpool here with the majority of possession and three shots on target compared to Chelsea’s zero. A good tempo to this game too, which you could argue is a glamourised friendly. Still, silverware is silverware at the end of the day.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Brilliant, brilliant defending from Andy Robertson there. A killer through ball from Mateo Kovacic finds Pedro racing through in a potential one-on-one with Adrian, but the Scotland captain tracks the Spaniard all the way and provides a crucial interception. Top drawer stuff.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Off the bar! Chelsea have really upped the ante here. A clever one-two between Pulisic and Pedro sees the latter clean through on goal. He’s on his weaker left foot, though, and Pedro’s rifled effort smashes the crossbar and away. A big, big let-off for Liverpool there.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Another chance for Chelsea. Olivier Giroud copies Sadio Mane’s overheard kick from earlier in the game with an effort of his own. The French international sees a long ball come back down to earth and positions his body to whack an impressive overheard towards goal. But his shot is off target and flies high over the crossbar.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Chance after chance after chance for Chelsea now. Another effort from Christian Pulisic is dragged just wide and you have to say Frank Lampard’s men have been on top these last 10 minutes. Liverpool struggling at the back a little bit.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Klopp’s men fly down the other end and earn a corner. Jordan Henderson sees the ball played back to him just outside the box. The captain curls an inviting cross into the penalty area and Cesar Azpilicueta heads out for a corner kick.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Close! Virgil van Dijk heads just over the crossbar. The Dutch defender barely even needs to jump in order to beat Kepa to the ball and the Chelsea goalkeeper will be breathing a sigh of relief that his header wasn’t on target. A nervous moment for Kepa there coming from his line to try and punch clear.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Another free header for Liverpool. Sadio Mane peels away from his marker and heads on target from a corner kick, but it’s a weak effort which takes a deflection off Joel Matip, which gives Kepa a chance to bend down and gather possession on his line.
Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Excellent goalkeeping from Adrian there. A through ball from Pedro finds Mateo Kovacic completely free. He tries to round the Liverpool goalkeeper and slot into an empty net, but Adrian keeps his composure and bats the ball away.
GOAL! LIVERPOOL 0-1 CHELSEA (GIROUD 36)
Chelsea take the lead and deservedly so. A pinpoint through ball sees Olivier Giroud free in space just inside the box. The French striker lets the ball come across his body and strikes a precise effort beyond Adrian and into the far corner. Great finish.
Giroud breaks the deadlock in Istanbul! ⚽️
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) August 14, 2019
Chelsea lead in the UEFA Super Cup. 🔵#SuperCup #VMSport pic.twitter.com/pzApfNRNgj
Liverpool 0-1 Chelsea
All that pressing and probing has finally paid dividends just past the half-hour mark. Granted, Liverpool did start the stronger, but over these last 15-20 minutes it’s been all Chelsea with chance after chance piling up on Adrian’s goal.
Liverpool 0-1 Chelsea
Chelsea have the ball in the back of the Liverpool net and it looks like it’s 2-0… but Michelle O’Neill raises her flag for offside and a quick check with VAR shows the assistant referee to be spot on. It was Christian Pulisic who provided the finishing touch with a lovely low finish just outside the box, but it won’t count and it stays at 1-0.
Liverpool 0-1 Chelsea
After a lengthy period of Chelsea dominance, Liverpool finally break free and build an attack. A cross into the box flies out the other end to Andy Robertson. The defender plays a one-two with Mo Salah, but the ball gets away from the Scot and peters out wide for a goal-kick.
There will be one minute of stoppage time at the end of the first half.
HALF-TIME: LIVERPOOL 0-1 CHELSEA
Referee Stephanie Frappart blows her whistle and we’re halfway there. Chelsea take a 1-0 lead into the break thanks to Olivier Giroud’s composed finish just past the half-hour mark.
Jurgen Klopp’s men definitely started the brighter, but faded and faded as the game wore on. Chelsea stacked up a host of chances as Liverpool looked very leggy and open at the back.
Giroud broke the deadlock and Christian Pulisic looked to have added another, but for the offside flag.
More action to come in Istanbul shortly!
Ahead at the break and looking good value for our lead! 👊#SuperCup pic.twitter.com/0goREAw4LO
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 14, 2019
SECOND HALF: We’re back underway for another 45 minutes!
Liverpool 0-1 Chelsea
One change for Liverpool at the break. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was starting his first game in 477 games tonight, is replaced by Roberto Firmino. Jurgen Klopp looking for a bit more attacking potency in this second half.
GOAL! LIVERPOOL 1-1 CHELSEA (MANE 48)
Liverpool are level! It’s exactly what Jurgen Klopp would have wanted, an immediate response after the break. A lofted ball into the box is nodded on by Roberto Firmino. It falls on a plate for Sadio Mane to strike and while Kepa does make an initial save, Mane is on hand a second time to prod home into an empty net. We’re all square in Istanbul.
Liverpool are level!
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) August 14, 2019
Firmino tees up Mané with his first touch of the game!
Another comeback in Istanbul on the cards!?#SuperCup #VMSport pic.twitter.com/164KtkEarD
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Close! Liverpool going for the lead straight away. Roberto Firmino lays the ball on a plate for Fabinho to strike. The Brazilian sets himself up and whacks a powerful effort goal-bound, but it peels just wide of the post.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Chelsea nearly regain the lead down the other end. Some brilliant individual work from Emerson down the left wing sees the defender dribble into the box and fizz a dangerous cross into the mixer. It comes off Virgil van Dijk’s shin and away for a corner.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
A manic opening to this second half as Liverpool fly down the other end right away and almost make it 2-1. A shot from the edge of the box from Jordan Henderson almost deflects into the back of the net, but Kepa does brilliantly to stay on his feet and catch the ball mid-air. Had he committed himself to that dive the ball would have trickled in.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Goodness me, Roberto Firmino has made an incredible impact off the bench. Liverpool look like their old selves again and a shade of the team which struggled through that opening 45 minutes. Another chances sees the Brazilian combine with Mo Salah, but their one-two inside the box strays just wide.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
What a crazy, entertaining, chaotic opening 10 minutes to this second half. Jurgen Klopp’s men have flown out of the traps and look menacing any time they venture forward. Firmino has ignited the Reds going forward, getting the band back together alongside Salah and Mane up top. The trio are devastating in full flight.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Lampard’s men finally manage to get a foothold again following a prolonged period of Liverpool dominance since the interval. Chelsea are trying to get N’Golo Kante and Jorginho on the ball to try and get a grip on this game again. Kante is just sublime both with and without possession.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Olivier Giroud looks to have a golden opportunity on his hands as he races clear on goal. Two things stand in his way, though. Firstly Virgil van Dijk provides an important block and then a few short moments later the flag is raised for offside. Had he managed to score there it wouldn’t have counted.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
A second substitution for Liverpool with a little under half an hour to go. James Milner is replaced by Gini Wijnaldum, who takes his place in midfield alongside Fabinho and Jordan Henderson.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
The game is being battled out in midfield at the moment, as the tempo begins to slow down just a little bit. Sadio Mane punctures the lull with a clever run into enemy territory. He does really well to latch onto an overhit pass and toe-poke a shot on target, but Kepa is equal to it and catches near his front post.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
A little under 20 minutes to go and it’s still very even out there. Jurgen Klopp’s men are doing well to dominate possession, but the attacking edge which Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah offered right after the break has died down quite a bit.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Andy Robertson finds time and space down the left wing. The Scot loses his footing though, and his left-footed cross flies to the feet of a Chelsea body as the attack breaks down. Not a lot of urgency from either side with less than 20 minutes to go in Istanbul.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Good chance for Mohamed Salah following a long ball hoofed down from defence into attack. The Egyptian shows good movement to find space, but Kurt Zouma watches the ball all the way and takes it down to end the danger. Great defending from Zouma there, who puts the ball out for a corner.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Save! An incredible, incredible save from Kepa denies Liverpool the lead. The resulting corner sees the ball spill out to Salah inside the box. His left-footed effort is saved initially by Kepa, and the ball spills to Virgil van Dijk. The Dutch defender shoots low on target, but yet again Kepa is there to claw the ball away. Amazing double save.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Klopp’s men are really pushing now. Salah pings an inviting cross towards the back post where Andy Robertson is sprinting in. The Scot tries his best to make up the ground and get a header away, but Cesar Azpilicueta is there to head clear.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
A free-kick for Liverpool in a dangerous position 30 yards out from goal. Azpilicueta is penalised for a shove in the back on Sadio Mane and receives a yellow card, but the Chelsea captain is absolutely irate and shows his displeasure to the referee.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Salah’s free-kick is well-hit, but it deflects off Tammy Abraham and out wide for a corner kick. The resulting corner is swung deep into the box, but Andreas Christensen is on hand to head clear at the first hurdle.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Close! A low strike from Pedro on his right boot looks certain to creep into the bottom corner, but Virgil van Dijk twists and contorts his body in such a way to get a block in. Great defending from the big Dutch defender. That was surely going in for 2-1.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Chelsea have the ball in the back of the Liverpool net… but for the second time this evening an offside flag rules out a goal for Frank Lampard’s men. A brilliant through ball finds substitute Mason Mount free in space. He provides a pinpoint finish into the bottom corner, but replays show Mount was in an offside position. It remains 1-1.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Liverpool break away at tremendous speed via Mohamed Salah. He picks out the run of Sadio Mane, who skips a shot just wide of the target. It wouldn’t have counted, through, as Michelle O’Neill raises her flag for offside against Mane.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Two minutes left to go in this Super Cup and bar some late heroics this game looks set for some extra-time. It’s still very end-to-end and space is beginning to open up. Will there be late drama?
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Kurt Zouma with a powerful header which flies just over the bar. Both Zouma and Cesar Azpilicueta were free with the goal at their mercy, but the former’s effort flies over the crossbar.
There will be two minutes of stoppage time at the end of the second half.
FULL-TIME: LIVERPOOL 1-1 CHELSEA
Stephanie Frappart signals the end of normal time and we’re now set for extra-time to try and pick a winner in Istanbul.
Olivier Giroud’s opener was cancelled out shortly after the interval by Sadio Mane, but neither side could force a winner.
More action to come in a little while.
After 90 minutes, it ends 1-1. 🤝
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 14, 2019
Extra-time on the way!#SuperCup pic.twitter.com/LqyWwScn5g
KICK-OFF: We’re underway for the first half of extra-time!
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Just one change for Liverpool as Andy Robertson’s night comes to an end at the end of normal time. He is replaced by Trent Alexander-Arnold in defence who slots in at right back, with Joe Gomez going to left back.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
First chance of extra-time and it comes from Joe Gomez. Sadio Mane creates a pocket of space, Gomez takes advantage and releases a decent effort which Kepa does well to save with a strong dive to his right. There was a slight deflection on the shot too.
GOAL! LIVERPOOL 2-1 CHELSEA (MANE 95)
Liverpool are ahead! A brilliant one-two between Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino sees Mane slam a wonderful right-footed effort off the underside of the Chelsea crossbar and into the back of the net. A superb finish and for the first time in this year’s Super Cup, Liverpool lead.
Sadio Mané with his 2nd of the night! 🔥#SuperCup #VMSport pic.twitter.com/FahSKKmZTy
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) August 14, 2019
Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea
Chelsea fly down the other end and Tammy Abraham comes so close to levelling. He pulls away from his marker and gets a shot away, but Adrian does really well to stick out a leg and provide the save. Matip hoofs the ball clear.
PENALTY TO CHELSEA!
Adrian tries to provide a low save but comes into contract with Tammy Abraham and referee Stephanie Frappart points to the spot. The Liverpool goalkeeper pleads his innocence and there is a VAR check, but the penalty is given.
Here's the penalty incident that has Chelsea level in extra-time!
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) August 14, 2019
Enough contact from Adrián?#SuperCup #VMSport pic.twitter.com/PpAzZ9FMyL
GOAL! LIVERPOOL 2-2 CHELSEA (JORGINHO 101)
All square! Jorginho makes absolutely no mistake, sending Adrian the wrong way with a cool, calm, composed penalty which he rolls into the bottom right corner with so much confidence. Just minutes after Sadio Mane put Liverpool ahead, Jorginho draws us level again. This is going to penalties, isn’t it?
Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea
Another switch for Liverpool and it’s Sadio Mane who makes way amid a chorus of applause from the Liverpool supporters in Istanbul. He is replaced by the super sub of super subs (no, not Kevin McManamon), the Reds’ Champions League hero, Divock Origi.
Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea
Almost 3-2 to Chelsea following some great work by Ross Barkley, who has replaced Mateo Kovacic. He crosses dangerously inside the box and Tammy Abraham is inches away from making contact with the ball and scoring into an empty net. Fine margins.
There will be two minutes of stoppage time at the end of the first half.
HALF-TIME: LIVERPOOL 2-2 CHELSEA
Goals from Sadio Mane and Jorginho means we’re all square heading into the second half.
There are an awful lot tired bodies out there in the baking Turkish heat. But to both team’s credit, this has still been a very entertaining affair.
Another 15 minutes to come shortly.
SECOND HALF: We’re back underway for the second half of extra-time!
Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea
Trent Alexander-Arnold picks up a yellow card for a foul on Mason Mount, who has injected a lot of energy into Chelsea’s attack since being brought on. Liverpool go in search of a winner here and the Mo Salah receives a loud cheer from the crowd for a clever little nutmeg.
Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea
Good run forward from Joel Matip in unfamiliar territory. He cuts the ball back to Gini Wijnaldum standing inside the box, but the pass is a little bit too heavy and it bobbles off the Dutch midfielder’s shin before going out wide for a goal-kick.
Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea
The atmosphere inside the ground has died down just a little bit. There is quite a bit of fatigue out there with both teams just at the end of a long pre-season and at the start of what will be demanding domestic and European campaigns. The lactic acid will be flowing out there right now. Dig deep, lads.
Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea
Save! A fine save from Adrian denies Chelsea what could have been a late winner. Tammy Abraham does well running forward and lines the ball up for Mason Mount to strike. He whips a decent effort aimed for the top corner, but Adrian springs from his line and gets a strong hand to the ball.
Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea
Another chance for Chelsea right away. Pedro finds time and space outside the box and curls a low effort towards Adrian’s bottom corner. The Chelsea supporters gasp thinking the ball had hit the back of the net, but instead it flies inches wide and hits the advertising hoarding instead. So close.
Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea
Another shot from Mason Mount from outside the box. Adrian makes a save but spills the ball. Tammy Abraham tries to get a follow-up shot and Virgil van Dijk forces his marker to fire well off target. This looks set for penalties lads. Two minutes to go.
FULL-TIME: LIVERPOOL 2-2 CHELSEA
Nothing to separate the sides and we’re heading for a penalty shoot-out.
Liverpool… penalties… Istanbul. We’ve seen this one before, haven’t we?
A penalty shoot-out will decide this year's #SuperCup winner... pic.twitter.com/dSkgnbdeiT
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 14, 2019
Roberto Firmino scores. 1-0 Liverpool
Jorginho scores. Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Fabinho scores. Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea
Ross Barkley scores. Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea
Divock Origi scores. Liverpool 3-2 Chelsea
Mason Mount scores. Liverpool 3-3 Chelsea
Trent Alexander-Arnold scores. Liverpool 4-3 Chelsea
Emerson scores. Liverpool 4-4 Chelsea
Mohamed Salah scores. Liverpool 5-4 Chelsea
Adrian saves Tammy Abraham’s penalty. Liverpool win 5-4!
ANOTHER PENALTY SHOOTOUT WIN IN ISTANBUL!!
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 14, 2019
SUPER CUP CHAMPIONS!!! pic.twitter.com/sZaxIfK9hY
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