Napoli leave Liverpool with Champions League work to do
Liverpool, Thursday
Liverpool are used to making life difficult for themselves, admitted Jurgen Klopp as a 1-1 draw with Napoli leaves the European champions with work to do to reach the Champions League last 16.
Klopp’s men must avoid defeat away to Salzburg on December 10 to secure their passage into the knockout stages.
Dries Mertens threatened to inflict Liverpool’s first home defeat in the Champions or Premier League since April 2017 with a sweetly struck opener midway through the first half.
Dejan Lovren’s header protected that proud unbeaten run, but after a host of late winners in the Premier League this season there was no such joy for the hosts this time round.
“Our way was always the hard one,” said Klopp. “We have to go to Salzburg. If we had done it (qualified) tonight we would’ve tried to win there and we will do the same now.”
Napoli remain a point behind Liverpool, but are well-placed to reach the knockout stages as they host winless Genk in two weeks’ time.
“It’s not easy to get a draw here. We suffered under pressure and began to defend too deep, but there’s no other way to emerge alive from Anfield,” said Napoli coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi marked his 700th game for Barcelona by scoring his 613th goal as the Catalans beat Borussia Dortmund 3-1 to go through as group winners. -AFP
