Salah strikes before Alisson heroics

thing. But those inside the stadium last night certainly did not think that would be a good idea judging by the atmosphere.

Klopp had called for something “special” from the club and he got it as the Kop roared his side on.

The permutations were simple for Liverpool to reach the last 16 – win 1-0 or if Napoli scored, then, triumph by two clear goals.

It was the hosts who had the first chance when Andy Robertson found Salah but the Egyptian’s touch let him down.

But the visitors went close straight after when James Milner gave away possession and Dries Mertens crossed for Marek Hamsik but his shot flew over.

Liverpool were angered by a yellow card given to Virgil van Dijk for a tackle which he won but also went in high on Mertens.

But they were jubilant in the 34th minute when Salah opened the scoring.

Milner’s pass found the Egyptian forward and he muscled off Mario Rui before beating the previously solid Kalidou Koulibaly.

Salah then gave Napoli keeper David Ospina the eyes before slotting the ball home through his legs from an angle.

Liverpool had the goal they needed but this was still firmly in the balance as they knew one back for Napoli would change the outlook considerably.

Salah came close to a second soon after the break when he was played in by Jordan Henderson but his shot crept past the post.

He rounded the keeper later on but could not get his shot away under pressure before Sadio Mane then squandered a chance. Napoli should have got the goal that would have turned it all around but somehow Jose Callejon missed at the far post only yards from goal.

Then Milik had his chance but Alisson stepped up to show he is a man for the biggest occasions.