Two years ago, it was Alisson’s header that salvaged Liverpool’s hopes of Champions League qualification. In May 2021, the Brazilian rose to meet a Trent Alexander-Arnold corner in the 94th minute against West Brom and steered home the winning goal. This moment kept the Reds’ dreams of a top-four finish alive and they eventually came third following a victory over Crystal Palace on the final day of the season. Alisson reflected on the “crazy” moment in a recent interview and confessed to regularly seeing the footage even to this day on social media. This moment kicked off a run that ended with a Champions League final in Paris 12 months later.
Liverpool currently find themselves needing a similar piece of magic from somewhere if they are to qualify for Europe’s elite club competition for the seventh successive season. Alisson insisted that he hopes he won’t be required to find the net again to save his team at the other end. Following seven straight wins, Liverpool have put themselves in fifth spot and within striking distance of Newcastle and Man United above them. Jurgen Klopp‘s side require wins in their last two fixtures against Aston Villa and Southampton, along with favours from elsewhere, to complete another unlikely comeback.