Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw by Napoli on Wednesday night in a Champions League match staged at Anfield.
The results mean it will go down to matchday six, away to Salzburg. Dries Mertens put Napoli ahead superbly, Lovren leveled – and if Liverpool avoids defeat in Salzburg in a fortnight they will go through.
Destiny is still in their hands, but having to play a full-strength side will annoy Jurgen Klopp for sure.
Injury concern
Fabinho went down in the 16th minute after colliding with Napoli‘s falling midfielder Zielinski. It was accidental, but he looks in some pain and WIjnaldum replaced the Brazilian.
Mertens goal
In the 21st minute, Napoli took the lead and it was Dries Mertens with a cool finish as Van Dijk was left down injured. Mertens went up for an aerial with Van Dijk barged into him, and it looked like he’s hurt himself. But from that, Maksimovic played Mertens through with a ball over the top. Mertens was through on goal, at an angle, and half-volleyed into the far corner with a brilliant finish.
VAR had checked the barge on Van Dijk and said there was no issue, but they’re now looking at a potential offside. The goal was given.
Lovren leveler
Lovren heads in Milner’s corner from 12 yards out, a fantastic header into the far corner past the rooted Meret. There was a brief VAR check for a hand on Mertens and the goal is given!!
Realistically Liverpool need a point from their game at Red Bull Salzburg in two weeks if they are to go through. A defeat would only be enough if Napoli lose to Genk at the same time – or the Reds would probably go through if they lost 5-4 (ie by one goal but scoring four times or more).
Source:Futaa
