Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has revealed the surprising reason behind his missed penalty in the dramatic Champions League clash against Real Madrid. In a night filled with twists at Anfield, Salah’s miss added to the chaos as Liverpool secured a historic 2-0 victory over their Spanish rivals.
The Match Highlights
Liverpool, already leading 1-0 thanks to Alexis Mac Allister’s brilliant strike, was handed a golden opportunity to extend their lead when Salah was brought down in the box by Ferland Mendy. Stepping up to the spot in the 69th minute, Salah, known for his precision, stunned the crowd by hitting the outside of the left post.
This shocking miss came just minutes after Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé had his own penalty saved by Liverpool’s standout goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher, leaving fans in disbelief.
Salah’s Explanation
Speaking after the match, Salah opened up about his rare mistake:
“It’s not easy to explain. I felt confident walking up, but the ball didn’t sit perfectly on the spot, and I hesitated for a fraction of a second. In games like these, against opponents like Real Madrid, that hesitation can cost you.”
The Egyptian forward also acknowledged the psychological pressure, adding:
“Hearing the roar from the crowd after Kelleher’s save lifted my spirits, but at the same time, it added more responsibility. I wanted to give them another moment to celebrate, but football is unpredictable. The important thing is that we won.”
A Night to Remember
Despite the missed penalty, Salah’s performance throughout the game was instrumental in Liverpool’s dominance. Cody Gakpo’s 76th-minute header eventually sealed the win, marking Liverpool’s first victory over Real Madrid in 15 years.
Fan Reactions
Fans were quick to forgive Salah’s rare lapse, with many taking to social media to express their admiration for his honesty and leadership. One supporter tweeted, “Even legends have off moments. Salah’s presence on the field inspires us more than one penalty ever could.”
Looking Ahead
With Liverpool maintaining their perfect Champions League record and topping the league phase rankings, Salah and his teammates are firmly focused on continuing their winning streak. As for Salah, his missed penalty is unlikely to overshadow his remarkable contributions to Liverpool’s success this season.
The victory not only solidifies Liverpool’s status as title contenders but also provides a psychological edge as they aim to reclaim European glory.