Messi stars in victory
Napoli frustrate Liverpool who must try again to qualify for knockout rounds
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 yesterday in a 3-1 win over Borussia Dortmund that sent his team into the knockout rounds of the Champions League.
Defending champion 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 twice. 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.
It’s not like Barcelona to grind out results, and beating Dortmund brought back some welcome swagger.
For the team that leads La Liga despite rarely seeming to reach top gear, Barcelona’s 3-1 win over Dortmund finally showcased the talent and creativity in the team.
As they have for years, Messi and Luis Suarez combined for the first two goals. First Messi assisted for Suarez, then the Uruguayan returned the favour. Another Messi assist set up Antoine Griezmann for the third.
For Dortmund, it was a third game without a win and perhaps a step closer to the exit for coach Lucian Favre. He and the players were already targets for fans’ anger after Friday’s 3-3 Bundesliga draw with Paderborn.
Earlier, Lautaro Martinez scored twice as Inter Milan beat Slavia Prague 3-1. Inter can still qualify from Group F, but Slavia is out.
Napoli stopped Liverpool sealing a spot in the knockout stages, but couldn’t quite snatch a third win in their last four games against the Champions League holder.
Dries Mertens scored from a long pass in the 21st 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.
“We couldn’t put it to bed tonight but it’s the Champions League, it’s difficult,” said Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson. “It’s always difficult, there are some really good teams so we have to stay positive.”
In the other Group E game, Erling Haaland became the first teenager to score in five consecutive Champions League games as Salzburg beat Genk 4-1. The Norwegian 19-year-old came off the bench to get one assist and score Salzburg’s fourth.
Salzburg can still qualify if they beat Liverpool in the final game.
Chelsea could have gone through with a win over Valencia, but drew 2-2 and must now wait until their final group game against Lille.
Valencia missed a series of chances including a penalty before Daniel Wass scored a freak goal from a cross in the 82nd to snatch a point for Valencia.
“We created a lot, both teams, I don’t know how many goals there could have been in that game,” said Chelsea manager Frank Lampard.