Liverpool beaten by Napoli in first Champions League fixture
Relive Liverpool’s match in Naples
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool began the defence of their Champions League crown on a losing note as Dries Mertens' penalty and Fernando Llorente's injury-time strike handed Napoli a 2-0 victory.
On a balmy night at the intimidating Stadio San Paolo, the Reds fell behind in the 82nd minute when Mertens converted from the spot after Andy Robertson had upended Jose Callejon in the area.
Substitute Llorente - part of the Tottenham side beaten by the Reds in last season's Champions League final - then took advantage of a mistake from Virgil Van Dijk to bag his first goal for Napoli after joining them earlier this month.
Relive the action.
Napoli 2 - 0 Liverpool
90+5 mins: It's over. Liverpool lose their opening fixture in the Champions League. The first time that's happened to the reigning champions since 1994/95.
Mistakes from Robertson and van Dijk opened the door for Napoli after a disciplined defensive display looked set to give Liverpool a point in Italy.
We run the rule over who performed the best on an entertaining night at the San Paolo Stadium:
There's no need to panic yet if you're a Liverpool supporter. Yes, they've started their Champions League campaign poorly but they didn't play poorly. For 80 minutes Liverpool knew what they were doing. They had a gameplan and it seemed to be working.
Napoli were shattered leading up to the first goal and Liverpool were well on top. A tame counter attack and a trailing leg later and Liverpool are behind.
Italy is a tough place to go and win but Napoli will find it harder to come to Anfield and repeat their success tonight.
Reaction from Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson:
"Listen, in the first-half I felt we played some good stuff, we wer ejust missing that final bit. Napoli are a good side and you have to defend as a team which I felt we did.
"The mistakes for the goal, we need to improve on. Overall we can be better, we take responsibility and try and react the right way."
Liverpool slump to their first defeat of the season, here's Miguel Delaney's report from Naples:
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments