Napoli vs Liverpool: Five things we learned as controversial late penalty helps sink Champions League holders

Napoli 2-0 Liverpool: Two late goals - a Mertens penalty and Llorente finish - saw the holders beaten in Naples

(Reuters)

Klopp’s side bruised in Naples again

Another European campaign, another defeat in Naples. Jurgen Klopp and his players must hope that is a good omen. It is the only comfort they can take from becoming the first Champions League holders to open the defence of their crown with a defeat since Milan in 1994. Liverpool were undone by two late goals - the first, a controversial Dries Mertens penalty after Andy Robertson was judged to have tripped Joe Callejon; the second scored by Fernando Llorente after a rare defensive error by Virgil van Dijk.

Liverpool did not play as badly as they did on the same ground nearly 12 months ago and looked the likelier of the two sides before the late penalty call. It is a disappointing start rather than a disastrous one. The group stage draw was much kinder to them this year, meaning hopes of qualification have not been severely dented. But they leave with nothing, despite coming within nine minutes from a valuable point, and that will hurt.

What is ‘clear and obvious’?

Since the introduction of VAR in the Premier League this season, video officials have shown a reluctance to overrule their on-field counterparts, with the interpretation of ‘clear and obvious’ being strictly applied. As long as it’s not a howler, the decision stands. On Champions League opening night in Naples, that same principle seemed to apply.

Robertson, Klopp and the travelling Liverpool supporters will feel aggrieved about the penalty call which turned the night Napoli's way. It was a borderline decision, at best, with Callejon falling before any minimal contact was made. But the referee's decision stood, and that is the price which football must pay if it wants video technology with minimum interference. Bad calls will be overturned, merely questionable ones will largely stand. The question the sport has to ask itself if whether that is a satisfactory compromise.

Adrian’s saves stop heavier defeat

Liverpool are, in no small part, able to call themselves Champions of Europe because of an instinctive late Alisson save from Napoli’s Arkadiusz Milik at Anfield last December. Nine months later, they could have lost this game by a greater margin if not for the quick reactions of their second-choice goalkeeper Adrian.

Napoli’s Fabio Ruiz came closest to breaking the deadlock of any player in the opening 45 minutes but he was denied twice by Alisson’s understudy. That double save was only bettered after the break. Adrian rose a little early to meet Mertens’ far-post attempt but readjusted to magnificently save one-handed. With goal difference in play, it could yet be an important moment in Group E.

Are Mane and Salah on the same wavelength?

Without wishing to read too much into one moment, a few eyebrows will be raised by Liverpool’s best opportunity of the evening and the manner in which it was squandered. After the breakdown of a Napoli corner, Sadio Mané countered at speed with Mohamed Salah in support. A square pass would have put Salah one-on-one but it was too slow to arrive. When Mané eventually released the ball, he overhit it.

Were the events of Turf Moor a few weeks ago on Mané’s mind? It was, more likely, just an example of a player being caught between two stools and failing to make the right decision quick enough. But any sign of reluctance to pass to Salah on Mané’s part was always going to come under the microscope, and that chance will be pored over in the aftermath of this defeat.

Imperious Fabinho marshals the middle

It is worth remembering that when Liverpool set out on the road to Madrid this time last year, Fabinho could barely get a minute. In fact, his debut was a 60-second cameo in the 3-2 win over Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield. In the time since, he has not only established himself as an integral part of Klopp’s set-up but one of Europe’s leading holding midfielders.

The control he exerted over this contest, most noticeably in the first half, is why Liverpool can be confident of leaving any ground on the continent with a positive result. There was one memorable moment in particular, in the 35th minute and when in some trouble out on the left, he chested and flicked it the ball around two Napoli players to relieve pressure. He is quickly becoming one of Klopp’s most dependable performers.