Liverpool 1-0 Napoli: 3 reasons why the Italian club lost | UEFA Champions League 2018-19

Liverpool had a tough task against the Italian club Napoli, and they didn't disappoint. It is never easy to play against Italian clubs, as they are one of the best when it comes to defensive strength.

The Reds were perfect in every aspect of the game. The defence, midfield, and attack were all ideal. There is no denying the fact that Liverpool were the deserved winners.

Liverpool reached the last 16 of the most coveted tournament in club football thanks to a goal from the Egyptian magician Mohamed Salah. Salah was not performing well at the start of the season, but now he has helped Liverpool go past the group stages. Salah is back in form at the right time for The Reds.

Napoli did everything they could, but they lost to the better team. The Italian giants had a chance to equalise in the 78th minute, but Jose Callejon hit one high over the crossbar. Napoli certainly suffered on their left side due to the threats created by the Egyptian superstar.

We take a look at the reasons why Napoli lost against Liverpool.

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#1 Napoli remained silent throughout the first half

Fans of the Italian club will be disappointed

It seemed Napoli were not going for the win, as a draw would have been enough for them to progress. Liverpool on the other hand, were a constant threat going forward.

Napoli did not try hard, and went for the counter-attacks when Liverpool lost the ball. The captain of Napoli, Hamsik, only had to beat the keeper from outside the box after an amazing pass from Dries Mertens. Hamsik's shot sailed just over the bar, and Napoli missed the chance to take an important lead.

Napoli only had 3 shots in the first half compared to Liverpool's 7. Ancelotti's men should have started to attack right from the start of the game, but they had other plans. Napoli only lost one game in the group stage, and still they are out of the Champions League.

Fans of the Italian club will be disappointed because they are out of the competition only due to a single loss.

#2 Liverpool's defence was perfect throughout the game

Van Dijk yet again proved that he is worth every penny

The football fraternity criticised the English giants when they signed Van Dijk for a record fee, but he has proven the critics wrong, as The Reds have one of the best centre-backs in the world right now. The Dutchman has made the English giants one of the best defensive units in the world.

It was no different in their most crucial game of the season so far. Liverpool's defence did not give any chance to Ancelotti's men, and made sure The Reds kept the clean sheet. If Napoli had scored a goal, The Reds would have had to win the game by 2 or more clear goals, which didn't seem possible against the resilient Napoli defence.

The Dutch centre-back will miss their next encounter in the UCL, which is worrying for the five-time Champions League winners.

#3 Alisson's goalkeeping excellence

Alisson saved Liverpool via his stoppage-time heroics

Liverpool's defence was led perfectly by Van Dijk, and Alisson had nothing to do till the stoppage time of the second half.

Arkadiusz Milik had a chance to equalise from 6 yards out, but was stopped by the Brazilian keeper who made an amazing block, and made sure they weren't eliminated.

The blunders by Loris Karius in the Champions League final last season prompted Jurgen Klopp to sign a goalkeeper who could make his team stronger.

Napoli would have gone through if not for Alisson's amazing save in stoppage time. Klopp now has a world-class goalkeeper in Alisson, and has made sure the blunders of last season are not repeated.