Luis Diaz Saves Liverpool, But His Father Hasn't Survived Kidnapping

Liverpool winger Luis Diaz celebrated the goal he created against Luton Town. There is the words 'Libertad Para Papa' (freedom for my father). (Twitter @LFC)

JAKARTA - Winger Luis Diaz saved Liverpool from defeat. He dramatically scored a goal that saved Luton Town's victory and both teams drew 1-1 in the English Premier League match at Kenilworth Road Stadium, Sunday, November 5 evening WIB. But Diaz's father has not survived the kidnapping.

Diaz's father has no sign of being released from the group of kidnappers, ELN (National Liberation Army). Entering the ninth day, his father is still being kidnapped by the group. They also did not ask for ransom for Diaz's father.

Even though he is still thinking about his father, Diaz continues to play for Liverpool. However, Jurgen Klopp's manager did not make him a starter. Diaz has only been fielded for the last 10 minutes replacing Ryan Gravenberch.

It's just that this 26-year-old player still makes an important contribution to the Reds. Instead, he scored a goal that saved Liverpool from defeat.

The match against Luton was tight. Liverpool are completely in control of the game but they failed to take advantage of their chances to score.

At least, Darwin Nunez had threatened the Luton goal. However, his shot could still be thwarted by goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski.

Furthermore, Nunez's shot, which met Trent Alexander-Arnold's pass, still bounced slightly.

The forward Mohamed Salah also failed to take advantage of the opportunity through Dominik Szoboszlai's free kick. The score was still 0-0 when the first half ended.

In the second half, Liverpool still controlled the game. They had several chances but still couldn't break into the host's goal.

Luton, on the other hand, managed to take advantage of the opportunity to score a goal in the 80th minute. The goal was created by Tahith Chong who made an assist from Issa Kabore.

Starting from Kabore's short cross which was well received by Chong. The former Manchester United fostered player then fired a shot that beat goalkeeper Alisson.

But Luton's 1-0 lead did not last long. In injury time or 90+5 minutes to be exact, Diaz's header which met Harvey Elliott' cross crossed the Luton goal. The score changed 1-1.

While celebrating the goal, Diaz showed the words 'Libertad Para Papa' which means freedom for my father (freedom for my father).

"A great moment but doesn't change the situation. The most important thing is that his father is released soon," Klopp said in response to Diaz's performance which helped Liverpool avoid defeat.

"He can always do it. While on the field, he is always there in special events," he said.

"We know he will always be a threat [to the opponent's defense]. It's just that we don't know how long he can play because he's only been able to take part in training again over the past few days. He scored, but the important thing is that we all hope for developments in Colombia," Klopp said again.

Meanwhile, Diaz hopes that ELN, the communist group that carried out the kidnapping, will soon release his father.

"I begged ELN to release my father as soon as possible. We are worried about his condition. It is difficult to convey in words how the family feel as long as he has not returned home," Diaz said.

"I would also like to thank all parties in Colombia and the international institutions that support us," he said.

The draw against Luton has helped Liverpool improve their position.

Now, Liverpool are up to third by shifting Arsenal who lost 1-0 to Newcastle United. Both teams have 24 points, but Liverpool are ahead on goal difference.

Luton himself is still at the bottom even though he managed to get out of the relegation zone. They are ranked 17th or up one strip after having six points.