Liverpool must beat Napoli by at least two goals at Anfield next month to avoid Champions League elimination after Paris Saint-Germain inflicted a third Group C away defeat on last season’s beaten finalists.
First-half goals from Juan Bernat and Neymar, who overtook Kaka as the highest-scoring Brazilian in the Champions League, were enough to secure victory for PSG and leave them with their destiny back in their own hands ahead of the trip to Red Star Belgrade. But Liverpool’s fate is now in the balance after their miserable away form continued in the Parc des Princes.
Jurgen Klopp’s team made a slow start, encouraging PSG to take control, and the hosts capitalised with Bernat opening the scoring on 14 minutes. With Neymar and Kylian Mbappe back from injury and in impressive form, PSG dominated the first half and doubled their lead when Neymar scored from close range after Edinson Cavani’s shot from Mbappe’s cross was blocked by goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
James Milner pulled one back for Liverpool from the penalty spot after Angel di Maria had fouled Sadio Mane, but Klopp’s team could not find a second after the break with their forward line of Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino unusually ineffective.
As a result, Liverpool must now beat group leaders Napoli by a two-goal margin to make it through to the round of 16 just seven months after losing last season’s Champions League final to Real Madrid in Kiev.
Source: Espn
