Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker scored an extra time winner in their dramatic 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion, on Sunday. His celebrations though turned teary-eyed as he dedicated the victory to his father, who had died a tragic death in recent months.
“I’m too emotional. These last months, after everything that happened with me, with my family,” he told Sky Sports after the game.
The 28-year-old Brazillian was overcome with emotion in the post-match interview as he remembered his late father.
Autopsies had confirmed that José Agostinho Becker, who was 57, passed away in February earlier this year, after drowning during a swim on his property in the southern city of Lavras do Sul, Brazil.
Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, his son was not even able to fly out from England to attend the funeral. And this moment obviously brought about some sort of closure.
“Football is my life. I have played since I can remember as a human being, with my father.”
“I hope he was here to see it. I am sure he is celebrating,” he added.
Alisson also explained his decision to go up for Liverpool’s injury time corner: “I tried to look at the bench, but nobody called me. Then Johnny Achterberg [goalkeeper coach] called me with conviction.
“It was the perfect time, the cross was brilliant, again. I tried to put my head on it and think it was one of the best goals I’ve ever scored,” he chuckled.
Liverpool’s top-four hopes were on the verge of being met with a heavy blow on Sunday as they headed for a 1-1 draw against West Brom, at The Hawthorns.
Mohammad Salah’s 33rd minute strike had cancelled Hal Robson-Kanu’s opener for the home side.
But the visitors failed to penetrate a stubborn West Brom defence in the second half. In fact, West Brom came close to a second goal, which was later ruled out by the VAR. It took until the 95th minute and something truly remarkable to keep Liverpool in the hunt for Champions League places.
The 2020 PL champions are currently placed fifth on the table with two games to go. They sit one point behind fourth-placed Chelsea and three behind Leicester City, who are third.
But Chelsea face Leicester in the coming gameweek and at least one side will drop points. In that event, Liverpool might make it through if they win both of their remaining games.
Image source: Sky Sports
