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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Karius signed with Schalke in January</li><li>Put in a robust performance between the sticks</li><li>TV presenter wife cheered on from the stands</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'MVP!' - Loris Karius' wife Diletta Leotta screams from the stands as Liverpool flop finally returns to football after a year out - and keeps a clean sheet!

Champions League

Paris Saint-Germain

Liverpool

2. Bundesliga

Hertha Berlin

Schalke 04

<p>The 31-year-old shot-stopper signed with Schalke in January, aiming to revive his career in Germany’s second division. His move came after an extended period away from first-team football, having left Newcastle United at the end of last season. Before his Schalke debut, his last competitive game had been for the Magpies in a 4-1 defeat against Arsenal on February 24, 2023.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Despite initially being second-choice behind Justin Heekeren, Karius was finally given his first opportunity to start on Friday night, making his much-anticipated return between the posts against Preussen Munster. He was instrumental in Schalke’s narrow win, producing a series of crucial saves throughout the game. His most impressive moment came in the dying stages when he made a stunning double save to deny efforts from Niko Koulis and David Kinsombi.</p><p></p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Leotta, a well-known Serie A presenter for DAZN, expressed her appreciation for Karius’ heroics by sharing a short clip of him being celebrated by his teammates with the caption "MVP."</p><picture><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blte9384852c81f6706/481973154_18495311092061866_2432586916738636616_n..jpg?format=webp" type="image/webp"><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blte9384852c81f6706/481973154_18495311092061866_2432586916738636616_n..jpg?format=jpg" type="image/jpeg"><img src="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blte9384852c81f6706/481973154_18495311092061866_2432586916738636616_n..jpg?format=jpg" alt="Karius GFX" data-source="" data-copyright="@dilettaleotta Instagram" data-portal-copyright="@dilettaleotta Instagram" perform:prop="uuid:blte9384852c81f6706;width:1320;height:2346"></picture><p>The couple also shared a heartwarming moment after the match, as Karius was spotted waving to his wife in the stands as the two teams lined up before kick-off.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DF3KXShgjxw/?hl=en&amp;img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Karius shared a post as well to celebrate his triumphant return, with the caption: "Back doing what I love 🙌🏻 Never give up 👊🏼"</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGoX37rtcDU/?hl=en&amp;img_index=4" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p></p>

HOW DID LEOTTA REACT

<p>Speaking to <em>Sky Germany</em> after the game, Karius expressed satisfaction with his performance and said, "For a goalkeeper, it's always good if you can distinguish yourself. I tried to give the team security and to defuse what came at the goal. But that's my job, I would be disappointed if I didn't make those saves. That was fine for the debut."</p>

WHAT DID KARIUS SAY?

<p>With confidence restored and his first clean sheet secured, Karius will aim to build on this performance as he continues his journey to re-establish himself as a top-level goalkeeper. He will now be hoping to retain his place in Schalke’s starting lineup for their upcoming clash against Hertha Berlin on March 8.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR KARIUS?

'MVP!' - Loris Karius' wife Diletta Leotta screams from the stands as Liverpool flop finally returns to football after a year out - and keeps a clean sheet! | Goal.com

Loris Karius&apos; wife Diletta Leotta cheered from the stands as the former Liverpool goalkeeper kept a clean sheet on his return to action.

&apos;MVP!&apos; - Loris Karius&apos; wife Diletta Leotta screams from the stands as Liverpool flop finally returns to football after a year out - and keeps a clean sheet!

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