Published on 06.11.2023
In an emotionally charged match, Luis Diaz made a poignant return to the Liverpool squad after his father’s kidnapping in Colombia.
He came off the bench to score a late equalizing goal, denying an impressive Luton side a remarkable victory in the Premier League. Diaz, displaying a ‘Libertad Para Papa’ (Freedom for Dad) message under his shirt, dedicated the goal to his missing father.
.@LuisFDiaz19's late leveller in #LUTLIV 📽️ pic.twitter.com/T9rJzTamAK
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 5, 2023
Luton appeared to secure all three points when former Manchester United midfielder Tahith Chong tapped in a goal past Alisson during a counterattack initiated by Issa Kabore. Liverpool players protested, believing Ross Barkley handled the ball during their corner kick, but VAR upheld the Luton goal, much to the joy of the Kenilworth Road crowd.
Before Luton’s opening goal, Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez missed a glaring opportunity, firing over the bar from close range after a header from Mohamed Salah. Nunez also struck the post in the first half, highlighting Liverpool’s wastefulness. Despite generating a 3.04 expected goals (xG) during the match, they managed to score only in the late stages.
The outcome prevented Liverpool from climbing to second place in the table, while Luton’s point lifted them out of the relegation zone.
