Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has noted the key role football plays in providing relief during difficult times, specifically after Colombian Luis Diaz scored an emotional equaliser against Luton Town on Sunday. Becker applauded Diaz after witnessing him score the winning goal despite their team losing.
Harvey Elliott's cross found Diaz, who headed past Thomas Kaminski for his inaugural Premier League goal.
Alisson on Diaz’s equaliser: “Football can bring joy in dark moments”
Luis Diaz made an unexpected late comeback against promoted Luton to score an equaliser, dedicating it to his father who had been kidnapped by Colombian rebels. Though initially excluded from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp's squad last weekend, Diaz requested to play and was allowed back into it upon being trusted to perform by Jurgen.
Once Ross Barkley had initiated a break and Issa Kabore had delivered Tahith Chong's goal past Alisson, Kenilworth Road was under control. But eight minutes of stoppage time were granted and Harvey Elliott's cross found Diaz who headed in a second goal for Liverpool - giving both teams equal spoils at Kenilworth Road.
"This is truly wonderful," stated Reds goalkeeper Sean Murphy, noting the inner strength of his teammate. Football brings joy in difficult moments and allows people to temporarily forget all about life around them; that is what it means to be a footballer, according to him.
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Diaz’s goal was a tribute to his father
Luis Diaz's emotional goal against Luton was a moving tribute to his father. The Liverpool winger scored his first goal since returning from Colombia after their parents were abducted, coming off the bench late in stoppage time to head in a Harvey Elliott cross to give his team a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road and lifting his shirt up revealing "Libertad Para Papa", or freedom for dad.
Cilenis Marulanda was freed shortly after her son, 26-year-old Antonio Pereira was abducted, while his father remains captive. Antonio eventually traveled back to England, playing for his club where Jurgen Klopp brought him on in the fifth minute of added time.
Diaz leapt highest to head home a pinpoint cross from Elliott and levelled the game for Liverpool after Tahith Chong had given Luton an early advantage. Later, Diaz pulled his shirt back up to reveal 'Libertad Para Papa' written in pen - an emotive tribute to his late father.
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Diaz’s goal was a sign of strength
Luis Diaz came off the bench late to score an equaliser as Liverpool earned a 1-1 Premier League draw at Luton. Dedicating it to his father who remains missing in Colombia, Diaz returned after dropping out due to being held captive by ELN guerrillas last weekend; manager Jurgen Klopp permitted this request when Liverpool found themselves trailing. With their opponents trailing, Jurgen Klopp decided to send Diaz on with Liverpool trailing by one goal - dedicating it in part to his missing father remained at Luton before dedicating it all the while also devoting it in tribute.
Diaz made his mark immediately upon joining Kenilworth Road as he leapt high to meet Harvey Elliott's cross five minutes into stoppage time, saving a point and preventing their first loss since 1991 at Kenilworth Road. Subsequently he revealed a shirt which read 'Libertad Para Papa", or Freedom For Dad.
Klopp described the goal as an incredible moment and praised its player for their "inner strength", but stressed the significance of freeing their father as being of highest priority. Furthermore, he demanded Colombian officials work towards finding an early resolution.
Diaz’s goal was a sign of hope
Luis Diaz's 83rd-minute equaliser against Luton saved Liverpool from an embarrassing Premier League defeat while providing hope to the family of his missing father, Harvey Elliott. After scoring from Elliott's cross and saving a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road, Diaz lifted his shirt to reveal "Libertad Para Papa" ("Freedom for Dad").
Jurgen Klopp made him part of his starting eleven at Luton after just his return from two games of absence due to negotiations between government officials and ELN rebel group to secure Diaz's father's release. Before this match began, Klopp stated there were positive developments between those parties involved and negotiations on this front were progressing well.
Diaz suffered through most of this season due to injury and struggled to make his mark in the starting XI, starting only 26 games (17 of them at Luton). But his impact at Luton was clear as he forced Thomas Kaminski into several diving saves before hitting one against the crossbar with his shot.
