Messi on target, Liverpool frustrated again
Another day to celebrate for Lionel Messi. Another frustrating day for Liverpool against a familiar opponent.
Messi marked his 700th game for Barcelona with a goal and two assists in a 3-1 win over Borussia Dortmund that sent his team into the knockout rounds of the Champions League yesterday.
Defending champions Liverpool couldn’t replicate that feat as they struggled once again against Napoli.
The two clubs have played four times in the last 13 months, with Napoli winning two of those games. This time, Dejan Lovren’s header rescued a 1-1 draw for Liverpool, who must try again to qualify against Salzburg on December 10.
Chelsea will also have to wait for qualification after drawing 2-2 with Valencia on a freak goal, while Leipzig qualified for the first time after a dramatic comeback.
Talented teenager Erling Haaland scored again for Salzburg to set a record.
Meanwhile Napoli’s Dries Mertens scored from a long pass in the 21st minute before Lovren’s header from a corner levelled the game for Liverpool. There was a blow for the Reds as defensive midfielder Fabinho was forced off injured.
The draw halted a seven-game winning streak for Liverpool in all competitions, including a win on penalties over Arsenal in the League Cup.
‘‘We couldn’t put it to bed tonight but it’s the Champions League, it’s difficult,’’ Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson said.
‘‘It’s always difficult, there are some really good teams so we have to stay positive.’’
Ajax beat last-place Lille 2-0 to cement top spot in Group H and now only needs to avoid defeat against Valencia on Dec. 10 to continue a campaign which began in the qualifying rounds.