UEFA Champions League 2019/20, Liverpool vs Napoli: Hits and Flops
It was a drab affair at Anfield as the clash between Liverpool and Napoli in Group E of the Champions League ended in a 1-1 draw. The home side did not seem like their usual, confident self, and the visitors got the point they needed away from home. The refereeing was questionable and the performance from the home team left much to be desired.
Liverpool seemed uninspired and lacking in the first half as they did not have an answer to how Napoli had set up. Dries Mertens finished beautifully in front of the Kop in the 21st minute to give the visitors lead; although the goal was not without controversy. Mertens seemed to have fouled Virgil Van Dijk in the build-up, but the goal stood.
Dejan Lovren's powerful header in the 65th minute was the final important moment of the game, as the teams shared one point each. Liverpool is all but assured of qualification into the round of 16, whereas Napoli needs to get a positive result against Genk in the final game.
Here are the hits and the flops from this game -
#5 Hit - Kalidou Koulibaly
Barring an unnecessary challenge on Mohamed Salah, Kalidou Koulibaly had a good game at Anfield in front of a raucous crowd. The Napoli captain got yellow-carded at the end of the game because of his altercation with the referee, but he put up a solid performance otherwise.
The Senegalese international completed one dribble, won three aerial duels and cleared the ball a game-high eight times. He also had one successful tackle and a goal-line clearance from Roberto Firmino's shot which would have resulted in much more pressure on his team. Overall, it was quite a good showing from the centre-back who once again proved why he is one of the best in the world.
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