English Premier League giants Liverpool got back into the winnings ways after defeating Serie-A giants Napoli in their latest UEFA Champions League match.
Liverpool’s ace Mohamed Salah and summer signing Darwin Nunez made the difference for the home side.
Having already qualified for the next stage of the UCL, this match was more of a dead rubber. However, coming into the match, Liverpool suffered a shocking 2-1 loss against Leeds. So Klopp’s side desperately wanted to win the match and boost their morale.
Jurgen Klopp started the match with a 4-3-3 setup. Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson kept his place under the bar. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Konstantinos Tsimikas formed the back line. James Milner, Fabinho, and Thiago Alacantara were the midfielders. Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones started on the wings while Roberto Firmino led the forward line.
Two late goals from Liverpool
The home side had a better start to the match. They got their first big chance when right-back Alexander Arnold found Salah on the edge of the box. The Egyptian then played a great pass toward Curtis Jones whose shot was not on target.
Napoli got their first real chance in the 29th minute of the game but Liverpool custodian Alisson made a great save to keep Ndombele’s effort off target. From the counter, Liverpool almost scored a goal as Thiago Played a one-two with Salha before unleashing a shot. Napoli goalkeeper Meret showed a fine piece of goalkeeping and kept the score level.
Both the teams failed to create more chances in the first half as the score remained 0-0. Just after the break, English midfielder James Milner suffered an injury. Harvey Elliott was substituted to take his place.
Soon after this, Napoli defender Ostigard scored from a Khvicha Kvratskhelia freekick. However, the goal was later cancelled due to an offside infringement. Napoli built the pressure on Liverpool’s defense and kept Alisson busy for the next few minutes.
Liverpool’s defense managed to stay compact and absorbed Napoli’s pressure as we entered the last few minutes. Then the Reds finally took the lead in the 85th minute through their talisman, Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool’s left-back Tsimikas sent a brilliant corner into the box which was not gathered properly by Napoli goalkeeper Meret and fell to an unmarked Salah. Salah put the ball into the back of the net to give Liverpool the lead.
Liverpool then soon scored their second goal. Uruguayan striker darwin Nunez scored from the rebound after Van Dijk’s thunderous header was not well gathered by Napoli’s keeper.
The match ended in a 2-0 win for the Reds. However, despite the victory, they finished second in the table. Meanwhile, Napoli qualified as the group toppers.
