Napoli 2-0 Liverpool: 3 reasons why Liverpool lost | UEFA Champions League 2019-20

#2 Woeful Liverpool attack

Liverpool's Sadio Mane

The Liverpool attack was uncharacteristically off-colour today. Time and again they botched attacking manoeuvres, as they either misplaced final passes, shot off the mark, or were thwarted by the Napoli defensive guardians.

Napoli's defenders were on point today, however, blame also has to go to the Liverpool triumvirate for missing gilt-edged chances. A prime example of this was Liverpool's counter in the 55th minute, as Sadio Mane sprinted 60 yards only to overhit his pass to Mohamed Salah.

Salah also mishit a shot in the 59th minute, as Roberto Firmino played a chipped pass to him exquisitely. Liverpool's attackers will need to bring their A-game if they are to have any chance of defending their title efficiently.

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#1 Controversial penalty decision

Dries Mertens converts from the spot

We love football for all the entertainment and drama it brings, and today the beautiful game once again served us a mouthful.

In a game most notably characterised by fine defending on both ends of the pitch, the deadlock was broken due to a controversial penalty decision in the 80th minute. Jose Callejon outfoxed Andrew Robertson in the box and the Scotsman tried to win the ball but seemingly took Callejon out instead.

The referee pointed to the spot, VAR ratified the decision, and Dries Mertens converted the spot-kick with aplomb.

Despite VAR's input on the matter, the penalty decision is debatable. However, kudos to Mertens for seizing the moment.