Liverpool defeat against Napoli told in five telling images

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Liverpool began their defence of the Champions League in the worst possible way on Tuesday, and their 2-0 defeat against Napoli means they are the first defending champions to lose their opening game since Milan in 1994.

It was a frustrating evening for the Reds. It may have been an improved showing on their previous performance at the San Paolo last year – in which they failed to register a single shot on target. Jurgen Klopp’s struggled to break down a stubborn Napoli defence and lapses in concentration at the back ended up costing them late on once again.

James Milner earned a recall to the side for his first start since Southampton, but the 33-year-old struggled to influence the game and his zero interceptions suggest he was off the pace, leading to criticism of his performance from some fans.

He wasn’t the only one to falter, however, with Andy Robertson giving away a penalty and Virgil van Dijk uncharacteristically costing his side the second goal with a backpass that played in Fernando Llorente to slot home.

In attack Liverpool lacked their usual flair and panache, with just four shots on target to show for their efforts. So all in all it was a frustrating night in Naples.

Dries Mertens fired in a penalty with under ten minutes remaining. Some felt it was harsh with accusations from notable names including James Pearce saying Jose Callejon dived, but the Italian side could have been in front earlier if not for a magnificent save from Adrian to keep out the Belgian.

The players may wish to forget about the match quickly but it is one they should learn a great deal from. Their away record in the Champions League since the beginning of 2018/19 now stands at five defeats from seven [excluding the final], and Klopp will be keen to ensure the trend doesn’t continue.