NAPPING REDS FAIL AGAIN LIKE LAST YEAR

After Robbo & Van Dijk errors

at times breathtaking contest, with both teams piling forward at every opportunity, creating chances at both ends.

It was significant the atmosphere in Naples wasn’t quite as intense as last time around, which pointed to the threat Klopp’s side possessed on the counter and just how revered their famous front three now is.

Salah, Mane and Roberto Firmino entered the game each on 16 European goals for the club and, in this competition, Salah lies only behind Steven Gerrard on the all-time list. His threat was obvious from the start.

Twice in the opening moments he darted down the right, galloping on to balls from Jordan Henderson, and each time had an opportunity to shoot, but saw his efforts blocked.

The danger was there, though, with Kalidou Koulibaly looking particularly uncomfortable against his pace, no doubt remembering the goal Salah scored at Anfield against Napoli last season.

If he didn’t, there was a swift reminder with the winger bursting past him in exactly the same manner as he did for that goal, which ultimately put Liverpool through and the Italians out.

This time, though, he was crowded out and Napoli survived, although there were more chances for the visitors, with Mane sending Milner (far left) through, but the midfielder’s attempted cross to Salah was not good enough. Before that, Henderson had set up Mane and he should have scored, but his shot was well saved by Meret.

If that suggests the first half was all one way, then Napoli had several big chances of their own, not least when Adrian was forced into a fine double save from Fabian Ruiz, before he was saved by an offside flag when Hirving Lozano did eventually head the ball home.

The last word of the half did go to Liverpool though, with Milner crossing to leave Fabinho a free header in front of goal, but he directed it just the wrong side of the post.

Mertens tucks away first goal from the spot.. to the dismay of Liverpool boss Klopp sloppy defending by Virgil van Dijk. The man regarded as the world’s best defender lost possession to allow ex-spurs striker Llorente to slot past Adrian. Liverpool’s stand-in keeper – in for the injured Alisson since the opening day – had pulled off a wondersave to deny Mertens at full stretch early in the second half. Liverpool had their chances, but Sadio Mane fluffed a pass to put Mo Salah (above) in on goal. Salah was then denied by a fingertip save by Napoli keeper Alex Meret. Napoli saw a Hirving Lozano goal correctly ruled out for an obvious offside early on. Mane saw an effort saved, James Milner blasted over and Roberto Firmino headed just wide. Liverpool lost in Naples last season, but squeezed through by winning at Anfield. Now Jurgen Klopp’s side will be aiming to do exactly the same.